The state’s tourism industry generated $21.6 billion across Wisconsin last year.
That’s an increase of nearly five percent from 2018. The state tourism department also reports visitor spending climbed by about the same amount, to $13.3 billion.
Winnebago County had a stronger year than the state average. The overall impact was up by five percent to $493 million. Visitor spending climbed by almost six percent to $254 million.
Oshkosh Convention and Visitors Bureau Executive Director Amy Albright says everyone knows about the big-hitters, like EAA AirVenture, Country USA and Rock USA. But she says the conventions and conferences that come to Oshkosh throughout the year, during the week, have a big impact on the final numbers. She says those events also help more people experience the city.
In Outagamie County, the overall impact rose by four percent to $636 million. Visitor spending was up almost four percent to $362 million.
