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Wisconsin tourism industry showing new signs of life

State put more than $200M in federal funds toward the industry throughout the pandemic

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Green trees surround river water as people walk on a pier away from a boat.
People walk across a pier after taking a boat ride Wednesday, June 2, 2021, in the Wisconsin Dells. Angela Major/WPR

One of the industries hit hardest by the coronavirus pandemic is showing signs of a rebound in Wisconsin.

According to the United States Travel Association’s September data, Wisconsin experienced its first growth in monthly year-over-year tourism spending compared to 2019, which was the state’s best year on record.

Gov. Tony Evers said the state directed more than $200 million in federal recovery funds toward helping the tourism and hospitality industries get through the pandemic.

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In 2020, the state’s tourism’s $17 billion industry declined by 22 percent compared to 2019. The Wisconsin Department of Tourism anticipates 2021 to still be down overall compared to 2019.

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