The Wisconsin Department of Tourism released 2022 economic impact data, showing the tourism industry generated a record-breaking $23.7 billion in total economic impact. The highest-ever overnight visitation helped fuel the growth, with Manitowoc County playing a pivotal role by contributing $216 million in total economic impact.
The 2022 total economic impact surpassed the previous statewide record of $22.2 billion set in 2019. Manitowoc County also surpassed the previous record of $204 million set in 2019. Locally, direct visitor spending in 2022 increased to over $127 million. Additionally, last year, Manitowoc County tourism supported 1,740 part-time and full-time jobs across various sectors of the industry and generated $14 million in local tax revenue. Statewide, tourism generated $1.5 billion in state and local tax revenue. Without this revenue, each Wisconsin household would pay an additional $620 to maintain the current level of government services.
“This is an exciting moment for Manitowoc’s growing tourism industry.” said Courtney Hansen, Director of Tourism for Visit Manitowoc. “I want to thank and congratulate everyone in our local tourism industry who has contributed to setting this record. With our collective hard work, partnerships, and strategic marketing efforts, the future of tourism in the Manitowoc area has never looked brighter!”
In 2022, there were 111.1 million visits in Wisconsin, which was up 8.8 million visits, or 8.7%, over the previous year. This includes a record 45.4 million overnight visits, or a 13.8% increase from 2021. Overnight visitors, on average, spent nearly three times as much as day trip visitors. To learn more about Wisconsin tourism’s record-breaking year, view the 2022 economic impact data, including a county-by-county breakdown, at industry.travelwisconsin.com/research.
Since inception last year, Visit Manitowoc has been hard at work promoting the Manitowoc area as a great place to make travel memories. Milestone projects include the creation and launch of a new research-driven visual identity and logo, opening a visitor information center in the heart of downtown, partnering with Explore Two Rivers on a reimagined visitor guide that highlights the sister communities, and launching www.visitmanitowoc.com. This brand-new website offers a visual, mobile-first design, new original content, and beautiful photography. From detailed attraction and event listings, blog posts, and itinerary ideas, this marketing tool elevates how Visit Manitowoc promotes the city to potential visitors.
To start planning your own getaway to Manitowoc, explore www.visitmanitowoc.com.