Contact: Cullen Werwie, 608-267-7303
Tourism: Lisa Marshall, 608-267-3773
Approximately $30 million generated for Wisconsin’s economy on nearly $1.3 million investment
Madison – Local economies throughout Wisconsin are expected to receive a $30 million boost in traveler spending as a direct result of the Department of Tourism’s Joint Effort Marketing (JEM) and Ready, Set, Go! (RSG) grants awarded in the past year (July 1, 2010-June 30, 2011) according to an annual recap report. The grants help non-profit tourism organizations fund efforts to market and grow attendance for special events and sales promotions, develop destination branding campaigns and attract sporting events.
The $30 million of economic activity comes from the State’s investment of the $1.29 million in JEM and RSG grants.
“The grants awarded through the Tourism Department provide greater marketing resources so destinations throughout Wisconsin can grow their tourism economies,” said Governor Walker. “These programs have measurable results and a proven track-record in growing jobs, wages and tax revenues. These programs are partially responsible for the recent job growth in the tourism sector. In short, Tourism grants are worth every penny.”
Highlights from the report include:
* The Department funded a total of 89 grants, awarding nearly $1.4 million dollars across three categories of grants: JEM, Ready, Set, Go! sports marketing and Tourist Information Center grants.
* Nearly $1.2 million in JEM grants were awarded in fiscal year 2011 to 53 non-profit organizations around the state. Those projects are expected to generate $20 million in visitor spending.
* Ready, Set, Go! sports marketing grants were awarded to 13 non-profit organizations and are expected to generate an additional $10 million for local economies.
* $160,000 was awarded to 23 tourist information centers through the TIC program. Those 23 centers provided Wisconsin travel information to over 900,000 customers in fiscal year 2011.
View a comprehensive map for all Tourism grant projects awarded in fiscal year 2011. Detailed information and application materials for all of the Department of Tourism’s grant programs are available at http://industry.travelwisconsin.com.
The mission of the Wisconsin Department of Tourism is to market the state as the Midwest’s premier travel destination by executing industry-leading marketing programs and establishing strategic partnerships. The Department plays a significant role in generating greater economic impact and jobs for Wisconsin. Additional traveler information can be found at: http://www.travelwisconsin.com.
