June 13, 2024

By Lane Kimble

MADISON, Wis. — A strong network of state and local roads helped nearly two million more people visit Wisconsin in 2023 compared to the previous year.

This week, Gov. Tony Evers’ office announced the state tourism industries generated $25 billion through 113 million visitors.  Financially, that marked a 5.4% increase in tourism spending over 2022.

“Wisconsin tourism powers the economy and strengthens the fabric of communities of all sizes,” said Wisconsin Tourism Secretary Anne Sayers.  “The historic impact of tourism reached every corner of Wisconsin and, in doing so, sustained livelihoods for thousands of our friends and neighbors.”

The tourism spending marked a new record high point in state history.  The governor celebrated the tourism achievements in his weekly radio address, which you can listen to HERE.

Visitors – many of whom traveled along vital interstates, such as I-39/90/94, I-41, and I-43 – helped support more than 173,000 full- and part-time jobs in Wisconsin last year.