MADISON, WI (WTAQ) – Wisconsin travelers spent 5.3 percent more last year than in 2013.
That’s according to an annual study released Friday by the state Tourism Department.
The Philadelphia-based firm of Tourism Economics found that Wisconsin visitors spent $11.4 billion last year on lodging, food, transportation, entertainment, and related items.
Every county in the Badger State reported an increase in tourist spending, the first time that happened since 2010 when the Great Recession was just loosening its grip.
Officials said last year’s increase was due to a better economy and lower gas prices. Consumer confidence rose as personal incomes went up.
The report said Wisconsin’s tourist industry accounted for 133,000 jobs in the Badger State. Restaurants had the most, with 48,000. Lodging was second with almost 33,000 jobs.
Milwaukee remains the state’s top tourist draw, with almost $1.8 billion spent there by visitors in 2014. Madison and Dane County were second with $1.1 billion. Sauk County, which has the part of the Wisconsin Dells area, was 3rd. Waukesha was 4th.
Brown County, home of the Green Bay Packers, was 5th followed by Lake Geneva and Walworth County and Lake Geneva. Outagamie, Door, Marathon, and Racine counties rounded out the Top 10.
(Story courtesy of Wheeler News Service)
