Wisconsin Department of Tourism

Wisconsin Department of Tourism
Agency overview
FormedDecember 24, 1995 (1995-12-24)
JurisdictionWisconsin
Headquarters3319 W Beltline Hwy Madison, Wisconsin
Employees34
Annual budget$36,334,300 (2021)[1]
Agency executive
  • Anne Sayers[2], Secretary
WebsiteTravelWisconsin.com

Overview

The Wisconsin Department of Tourism is a governmental agency of the U.S. state of Wisconsin responsible for marketing and promoting the state as a travel destination.[3] The Department has been led by Anne Sayers since December of 2020. [4]

A primary tool that the department uses to fulfill its mission and duties is maintaining its official web site, TravelWisconsin.com, which contains a wide variety of information, including access to reservations at various amenities. Although the department has had the site since 1996, a major update occurred in 2001 as part of a strategic re-prioritization of information technology.[5]

Tourism is a huge economic driver in Wisconsin. In 2018, the industry had a $21.6 billion impact on the state with more than 112 million visitors. Additionally, tourism in 2018 generated $1.6 billion in state and local revenue and $1.2 billion in federal taxes and supported 199,073 jobs in the state of Wisconsin.[6] In 2021, Wisconsin tourism had a $20.9 billion total economic impact and supported more than 169,000 full and part-time jobs.

Although a department of tourism was called for by leaders as early as 1967,[7] prior to 1995 state sponsored tourism promotion was performed as a division of other departments.[8] The department began operations on December 24, 1995, under its first secretary Richard "Moose" Speros.[9]

Tourism grant programs

The Wisconsin Department of Tourism invests heavily in ventures around the state through grant programs.[10]

Attached boards

Four boards are attached to the Department of Tourism:[8]

Past secretaries

Secretaries (1995–present)
Secretary Took office Left office Notes
Richard Speros December 24, 1995 January 6, 2003 Appointed by Tommy Thompson
Kevin Shibilski January 6, 2003 May 2, 2003 Appointed by Jim Doyle
Jim Holperin May 12, 2003 January 7, 2007 Appointed by Jim Doyle
Kelli A. Trumble January 7, 2007 January 3, 2011 Appointed by Jim Doyle
Stephanie Klett January 3, 2011 January 7, 2019 Appointed by Scott Walker
Sara Meaney January 7, 2019 December 1, 2020 Appointed by Tony Evers
Anne Sayers December 1, 2020 Current Appointed by Tony Evers

See also

References
  1. "Executive Branch" (PDF). Wisconsin Blue Book 2021–2022 (Report). Wisconsin Legislative Reference Bureau. 2021. pp. 239–242. ISBN 978-1-7333817-1-0. Retrieved December 23, 2022.
  2. "Secretary-designee Anne Sayers". Travel Wisconsin. Retrieved December 23, 2022.
  3. "Department of Tourism". Office of the Governor - Scott Walker. Retrieved April 6, 2015.
  4. "Secretary Anne Sayers". Travel Wisconsin. Wisconsin Department of Tourism.
  5. Jones, Meg (March 16, 2001). "State updates tourism Web site". Milwaukee Journal. Milwaukee, WI. Retrieved April 7, 2015.
  6. "The Power of Tourism | Travel Wisconsin". TravelWisconsin. Retrieved 2019-07-01.
  7. "Campaign Funds 'Debated', by Lucey, Governor's Aide". The Daily Telegram. Eau Claire, WI. October 5, 1966. Retrieved April 6, 2015.
  8. "Wisconsin Statutes - Chapter 15". Wisconsin Legislature. Retrieved April 6, 2015.
  9. "Speros will head Tourism Department". Milwaukee Journal. Milwaukee, WI. November 29, 1995. Retrieved April 6, 2015.
  10. "Grants | Travel Wisconsin". TravelWisconsin. Retrieved 2019-07-01.
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