In a year when many of the state economy's most important sectors were down significantly, tourism remained strong, bringing $13 billion into the Wisconsin economy, according to an analysis by the Wisconsin Dept. of Tourism.
Tourism continues to be an important part of Dodge County's economic base. In 2008, tourism brought $86.2 million into the county, a decrease of nine-tenths of a percent from 2007. State officials estimate that revenue supports more than 1,975 full-time equivalent jobs countywide.
An analysis by the Wisconsin Department of Tourism showed that food, shopping and recreation are the top areas where travelers spend their money.
"The additional tourism revenues also enable communities in Dodge County to support a far greater diversity and quality of businesses and services than the community could without tourism," said Dodge County Travel Association director, Gayl Zuelsdorf. "And tourism accounted for $4.5 million of additional local tax revenue in Dodge County thereby supporting basic infrastructure and public services."
New economic impact numbers from the department indicated that Wisconsin has been weathering the economic downturn.
One of the reasons might be perceived value. For people with vacation time to burn and fewer discretionary funds to play with, Wisconsin is seen as an inexpensive getaway for the region.
"For Dodge County there's an enormous potential for growth in tourism revenue," said Zuelsdorf. "Since 1995, travel expenditures in Dodge County have grown by more than 96 percent. In the coming years, look for tourism to only increase in its importance in the overall economic base of Dodge County."