Tourism generated $486 million in total economic impact in 2022 in Racine County, helping Wisconsin break an economic impact record.
[Racine County, WI] (June 7, 2023) – 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 Racine County playing a pivotal role by contributing $486 million in total economic impact.
The 2022 total economic impact surpassed the previous statewide record of $22.2 billion set in 2019. Additionally, last year, Racine County tourism supported 3,620 part-time and full-time jobs across various sectors of the industry and generated $26.5 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. Racine County's Direct Visitor Spending increased 17.7% in 2022, bringing in $272 million to the County.
"These are big numbers and this increase in economic impact is exactly what we were hoping for! We have been making good changes and attracting more visitors than ever before. And while we can thank new and improved advertising campaigns and exciting events for drawing visitors to our County, those are not the reason for this success. The collaboration and partnerships between our hospitality partners and individual communities is the driver. Working closely together the past year has produced incredible results. I hope every hotel, attraction, restaurant, bar and venue feels the same pride we do today. Travelers want to come here!" says Cari Greving, Tourism Director for Enjoy Mount Pleasant and Visit Racine County.
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 trippers. To learn more about Wisconsin’s record-breaking year, to view the 2022 economic impact data, including a county-by-county breakdown, at Research (travelwisconsin.com).
"Tourism is both big fun and big business. I'm so grateful for the innovation and dedication of the folks who make up Wisconsin's tourism industry. Each one of them played a role in setting this record," said Wisconsin Department of Tourism Secretary Anne Sayers. "Aided by strategic marketing, Wisconsin convinced more visitors to stay longer so they could add more activities to their itinerary,
delivering a deeper economic impact. I congratulate the entire industry on an incredible record-breaking year."
"Every community played a part in making this year one for the books in tourism. The newly-opened lines of communication between Visit Racine County and its municipal partners are working. This would not be possible without the City of Racine, Caledonia, Sturtevant, Mount Pleasant, Wind Point, Waterford, Yorkville and Burlington and all their local efforts to help us spotlight their unique and special quality of life. Extra thanks go to Kelly Kruse at Downtown Racine Corporation, the Mount Pleasant Tourism Commission, the Explore Waterford team, and MT Boyle and the Burlington Chamber. We are stronger together and our visitors are feeling welcomed throughout the entire County."
For more information on all things Racine County tourism, visit www.visitracinecounty.com.
About the Wisconsin Department of Tourism
The mission of the Wisconsin Department of Tourism is to inspire travelers to visit Wisconsin. Because we believe in the power of exploration and travel, we work to market the state as a premier travel destination. By executing industry-leading marketing programs and establishing strategic partnerships, the Department plays a significant role in generating greater economic impact for Wisconsin through tourism. Learn more at industry.travelwisconsin.com.
Media Contact: Cari Greving
Tourism Director, Visit Racine County & Enjoy Mount Pleasant
262-664-7812, cgreving@mtpleasantwi.gov
