Wisconsin’s tourism economy is on the rebound and state officials are hoping to keep that momentum going.
Figures released over the weekend show tourism spending in the state climbed almost 8 percent last year, up to $16 billion in total sales. Department of Tourism Secretary Stephanie Klett says it’s a good sign of things to come because it shows the economy is rebounding and more people are deciding to take vacations.
The most popular places remain travel destinations like Milwaukee, Door County, and Wisconsin Dells. Klett says one area they hope to improve on this year is Wisconsin’s northwoods. While millions visit the area each year, she says the region typically does not have the large amount of resources dedicated to it that major tourism centers receive. In recent years, the economic impact to the area has remained relatively flat.
To help increase interest in traveling to northern parts of the state, Klett wants to once again rely on the talent of David Zucker. The film maker and Milwaukee native will make another commercial for the state, this time focusing on the northwoods.
Zucker previously filmed a winter ad campaign featuring the Milwaukee symphony. This time, Klett says she wants to focus on the fishing opportunities that exist in the northwoods. It’s all part of a plan, Klett says, to continue attracting visitors to the state by highlighting the fun they can have in Wisconsin.
AUDIO: Andrew Beckett reports (1:14)