Wisconsin Department of Tourism

Wisconsin Department of Tourism
Agency overview
Formed1995
JurisdictionWisconsin
HeadquartersMadison, Wisconsin
Agency executive
  • Sara Meaney[1], Secretary
WebsiteTravelWisconsin.com

Overview

The Wisconsin Department of Tourism is a governmental agency of the U.S. state of Wisconsin responsible for marketing and promoting the state as a travel destination.[2] As of January 2019, the Secretary of the department is Sara Meaney.

A primary tool that the department uses to fulfill its mission and duties is maintaining its official web site, TravelWisconsin.com, which contains a wide variety of information, including access to reservations at various amenities. Although the department has had the site since 1996, a major update occurred in 2001 as part of a strategic re-prioritization of information technology.[3]

Tourism is a huge economic driver in Wisconsin. In 2018, the industry had a $21.6 billion impact on the state with more than 112 million visitors. Additionally, tourism in 2018 generated $1.6 billion in state and local revenue and $1.2 billion in federal taxes and supported 199,073 jobs in the state of Wisconsin.[4]

Although a department of tourism was called for by leaders as early as 1967,[5] prior to 1995 state sponsored tourism promotion was performed as a division of other departments.[6] The department began operations on December 24, 1995, under its first secretary Richard "Moose" Speros.[7]

Tourism grant programs

The Wisconsin Department of Tourism invests heavily in ventures around the state through grant programs.[8]

Attached boards

Four boards are attached to the Department of Tourism:[6]

See also

References
  1. "Secretary-designee Sara Meaney". Wisconsin Tourism Industry. Retrieved June 11, 2019.
  2. "Department of Tourism". Office of the Governor - Scott Walker. Retrieved April 6, 2015.
  3. Jones, Meg (March 16, 2001). "State updates tourism Web site". Milwaukee Journal. Milwaukee, WI. Retrieved April 7, 2015.
  4. "The Power of Tourism | Travel Wisconsin". TravelWisconsin. Retrieved 2019-07-01.
  5. "Campaign Funds 'Debated', by Lucey, Governor's Aide". The Daily Telegram. Eau Claire, WI. October 5, 1966. Retrieved April 6, 2015.
  6. "Wisconsin Statutes - Chapter 15". Wisconsin Legislature. Retrieved April 6, 2015.
  7. "Speros will head Tourism Department". Milwaukee Journal. Milwaukee, WI. November 29, 1995. Retrieved April 6, 2015.
  8. "Grants | Travel Wisconsin". TravelWisconsin. Retrieved 2019-07-01.



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