Wis. Summer Tourism Increase

Despite the hot and dry weather, the Wisconsin tourism industry appears to have had a very fruitful summer tourism season.

Even one hundred degree days did not stop people from vacationing spokeswoman with the Wisconsin Department of tourism says there were plenty of people who hit popular vacation spots throughout the state.

Jack Moneypenny is the President of the Door County Visitors bureau. He says hotel room bookings were up in his part of the state. “People are starting to travel again with some confidence. They are staying closer to home I believe. Our main fishing holes that we draw from are Milwaukee, Madison, Chicago and northern Illinois, Minneapolis, Iowa.”

A representative with The Wisconsin Dells visitor and convention bureau says that area enjoyed a heavy tourism season this summer. One example is the Tommy Bartlett Company, best known for its water ski shows. Owner Tom Diehl says less rain meant fewer events were canceled. He says this was the first year in decades where his business improved over the year before it. “The stars were aligned perfectly for us this year.”

Tourism officials with Milwaukee and Madison both say tourism is up. The Wisconsin Department of Tourism will release summer tourism figures early next year.