“People come from far and wide to enjoy all the Wisconsin Dells area has to offer, including waterparks, great attractions, and fantastic restaurants,” Governor Walker said. “This area is all about fun, and a booming tourism industry is an important part of our efforts to continue to build the economy, create more jobs, and move Wisconsin toward even greater prosperity.”
Wisconsin Tourism is Up
A recent report on Wisconsin tourism shows the total economic impact for 2013 is $17.5 billion, up four percent from 2012, and up 18 percent increase from 2010. The number of visitors increased 3.5 percent and topped 100 million visitors last year, which is the fastest growth since 2010. Recreation and entertainment spending was up 6.3 percent and food and beverage spending increased 6.2 percent in 2013. More than 185,000 jobs are supported by the tourism industry. Tourism generated $1.35 billion in state and local taxes and $1 billion in federal taxes last year.
Highlights of the local economic impact in 2013 for Adams, Columbia, Juneau, and Sauk counties:
Adams County – direct visitor spending increased to $185.7 million, up from $176 million in 2012, a 5.31 percent change. Adams County ranked 18th in the state for visitor spending in 2013. Total business sales increased to $234.15 million, up from $221.94 million in 2012, a 5.5 percent increase. State and local revenue resulting from tourism increased 2.42 percent.
Columbia County – direct visitor spending impact was $110.58 million, up from $106.42 million in 2012, a 3.9 percent increase. Columbia County ranked 22nd in the state for visitor spending in 2013. Total business sales rose 4 percent, up to $161.84 million from $155.56 million. Personal income from tourism related jobs rose 3.85 percent. State and local revenue resulting from tourism increased 2.37 percent.
Juneau County – direct visitor spending rose 7.26 percent to $59.48 million, up from $55.46 million. Juneau County ranked 40th in the state for visitor spending in 2013. Total business sales increased 6.17 percent to $84.27 million, up from $79.37 million. Tourism related employment grew by 5.6 percent and personal income from tourism related jobs rose 8.51 percent. State and local revenue resulting from tourism activities increased 7.55 percent.
Sauk County – direct visitor spending increased to $888.48 million, up from $857.23 million, a 3.65 percent gain. Sauk County ranked third in the state for visitor spending in 2013. Total business sales rose 4.08 percent, up to $1,134.33 million from $1,089.85 million. State and local revenue resulting from tourism increased 2.09 percent.
