TRAVEL & TOURISM

Wisconsin tourism hits record $27 billion in 2025

PUBLISHED Jun 9, 2026, 11:55 AM ET

Read, Watch or Listen

Media Bias Meter

Sources: 6

Center 100%

Sources: 6

Wisconsin: State tourism officials reported that in 2025 the industry generated a record $27 billion in total economic impact and welcomed 117.9 million visits, officials said Tuesday. The report, issued by the Wisconsin Department of Tourism with data from Tourism Economics, shows a one-year increase in visits and revenue compared with 2024. Green Bay and Door County saw record local impacts, with Brown County reporting roughly $1.5 billion in visitor-driven impact and $909.6 million in direct spending linked to the 2025 NFL Draft; Door County reported $685.8 million. Officials said the sector supported more than 183,000 jobs and generated over $1.7 billion in state and local tax revenue this year.

By Sidra | JQJO News

Timeline of Events

2022: Wisconsin records a rise in tourism, beginning a streak of annual records.
2023: Visitor totals and economic impact continue increasing statewide.
2024: State previously posted about 114.4 million visits, a then-record year.
2025: Major events including Green Bay NFL Draft and EAA AirVenture contribute to 117.9 million visits and $27 billion impact.
2026 (reporting): State Department of Tourism and Tourism Economics release 2025 data to media and counties.

News Intelligence

Wisconsin's booming tourism means more money for local businesses and more jobs in your community. If you're in the hospitality or retail sector, this could mean a busier season and potentially higher earnings. Check out local job postings if you're considering a career shift.

Media Bias

Articles Published:: 6
Right Leaning:: 0
Left Leaning:: 0
Neutral:: 6
Distribution:: Left 0%, Center 100%, Right 0%

Who Benefited

Local businesses, hospitality and tourism workers, and municipal budgets benefited from increased visitor spending, record attendance at major events, and more than $1.7 billion in state and local tax revenue returned to communities.

Who Impacted

The reviewed articles did not identify specific groups that suffered; coverage focused on economic gains, job support and tax revenue increases without reporting measurable harms.