Greater Madison Convention & Visitors Bureau and Madison Area Sports Commission: Celebrating National Transportation and Tourism week

(Madison, WI) Visitors to Dane County spent over $ 1.21 billion in 2016 according to economic impact data released by the Wisconsin Department of Tourism. Dane County experienced a 5.1% increase in tourism dollars spent in our region as compared to last year. The Greater Madison Convention & Visitor’s Bureau (GMCVB) and Madison Area Sports Commission (MASC) want to acknowledge the key role of tourism as an economic driver. The latest data provided by the Wisconsin Department of Tourism clearly shows that travel and tourism brings additional dollars to the Greater Madison economy. All 2016 measures of the Madison area’s tourism industry indicate continued and healthy growth in the volume of visitors coming to the destination.

“This was a banner year for our industry and the remarkable numbers underscore the importance of the visitor industry.” said Deb Archer, President and CEO of the Greater Madison Convention & Visitors Bureau (GMCVB) and Madison Area Sports Commission (MASC). Our teams continue to work tirelessly to bring meetings, events and competitions to our area. The relocation of the Reebok CrossFit Games from California to Madison, which will bring more than 50,000 fans and more than $7 million this August is just one example of how our work contributes to the local economy,” Archer noted.

Travel is big business in Dane County. The $1.2 billion in visitor spending translates to total business sales at a robust $2.07 billion in Dane County in 2016. Those dollars spent reflect an economic indicator of equal import– in Dane County; more than 21,000 (full time equivalent) jobs are supported directly by tourism according to Tourism Economics, the company commissioned by the state Department of Tourism.

“This new data certainly confirms that Madison is a great place to visit and spend time, enjoying our shops, restaurants, hotels, neighborhoods, lakes, bike paths of course Monona Terrace Convention Center,” said Madison Mayor Paul Soglin. “Our thanks to the Greater Madison Convention and Visitor’s Bureau (GMCVB), business owners and everyone else who make this a welcoming and inviting City.”

In celebration of National Travel and Tourism week May 7-13, 2017, the Greater Madison Convention & Visitors Bureau (GMCVB) and Madison Area Sports Commission (MASC) are honored to play a key role in supporting the more than 21,000 Dane County jobs supported by tourism. Promoting tourism in Madison since 1972, the GMCVB continues to work strategically to expand upon the more than $2 billion dollars in total business sales in Dane County every year. Launched in 2010 by the GMCVB, the MASC is charged with serving the unique needs of the sport tourism business. For the most up-to-date information, visit us online at visitmadison.com or madisonsports.org.