The Waukesha/Pewaukee Convention and Visitor Bureau (WPCVB) is celebrating National Tourism Week, May 4-12, with the Wisconsin Department of Tourism. This annual salute to travel and tourism will encourage visitors and local residents alike to see how fun meets adventure in Waukesha and Pewaukee.
WPCVB encourages residents to experience Waukesha/Pewaukee like a visitor. Stop in at the office between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. Monday through Friday to pick up a National Tourism Week Savings Passport for locally discounted shopping and dining experiences, a program usually reserved for visitors. While there, pick up a 2013 Visitor Guide and check out the variety of brochures and Wisconsin travel information.
On Twitter or Pinterest? Send an image of your family enjoying Waukesha/Pewaukee to participate in the Favorite Family Fun Photo Contest. Winner will receive a tasty gift basket with local treats. Images can be submitted via TwitPic, hashtag #visitwaukesha or via email info@visitwaukesha.org subject line: #visitwaukesha. Winning image will be used to promote Waukesha Pewaukee.
"Tourism is an important part of Waukesha County's economy," said Tammy Tritz, executive director of the Waukesha Pewaukee Convention and Visitor Bureau. "A significant amount has been invested in infrastructure to support business, leisure and sports travel. Those travel opportunities are heavily promoted throughout the state and the Midwest."
In 2012, economic impact research completed by Tourism Economics revealed direct spending by visitors on recreation, lodging, restaurants and attractions generated $630 million in Waukesha County. The total impact of those dollars, which includes the direct spending by visitors as well as the benefits to the economy as tourism employees spend their wages, measured nearly $1.2 billion in 2012. In addition, nearly 14,000 jobs were generated by the tourism industry in Waukesha County.
The total impact of traveler spending in Wisconsin was $16.8 billion in 2012.
"The past two years have been outstanding for Wisconsin's tourism industry and the two-year $2 billion growth that is reported in research confirms what we hear from businesses and destinations as I travel the state" said Tourism Secretary Stephanie Klett. "Investing in tourism promotion and marketing at both the state and local level is an effective way to attract visitors, enhance the state's image and keep the economy growing."
The Convention and Visitor Bureau (CVB) is an economic development organization that strengthens the area by attracting visitors in the convention, sports and leisure markets. Through CVB sales and marketing efforts, Waukesha Pewaukee hosts lively meetings of waterfronts, downtowns, fun and people. To learn more about our meetings visit www.visitwaukesha.org.
By the numbers
Visitors to Waukesha County spent $630 million in 2012. The total impact of those dollars measured nearly $1.2 billion in 2012. In addition, nearly 14,000 jobs were generated by the tourism industry in Waukesha County. The total impact of traveler spending in Wisconsin was $16.8 billion in 2012.