FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Media Contact:
Amy Albright, Oshkosh Convention & Visitors Bureau
920.303.9200
amy@discoveroshkosh.com
Winnebago County Tourism Posts Recording-Breaking Year in 2022
Tourism generated $522 Million in total economic impact in 2022 in Winnebago County, helping Wisconsin break an economic impact record
Oshkosh, WI (June 6, 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 Winnebago County playing a pivotal role by contributing $522 Million in total economic impact.
The 2022 total economic impact surpassed the previous statewide record of $22.2 billion set in 2019. Winnebago County also surpassed the previous record of $509 Million set in 2019. Additionally, last year, Winnebago County tourism supported 4,177 part-time and full-time jobs across various sectors of the industry and generated $30 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.
“Tourism in Winnebago County and in the State of Wisconsin is booming! We love welcoming people to our area in ways that are creating lasting memories for visitors and big economic impact for our community,” said Amy Albright, Executive Director, Discover Oshkosh.
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 trip visitors. To learn more about Wisconsin tourism’s record-breaking year, view the 2022 economic impact data, including a county-by-county breakdown, at industry.travelwisconsin.com/research.
“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.”
The Oshkosh Convention & Visitors Bureau launched a new brand and name in November 2022—changing from Visit Oshkosh to Discover Oshkosh. The new brand encourages visitors to spend more time in the destination and speaks to visitors and residents alike. The brand supports year-round tourism and will work to bring visitors for events, leisure travel, business travel, meetings, conventions, sporting events and more.
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About the Oshkosh Convention & Visitors Bureau
The Oshkosh Convention & Visitors Bureau is the official destination marketing organization for Winnebago County, committed to support and enhance the economic impact of tourism through events, service, sales and marketing. The OCVB is a private, not-for-profit organization funded through room tax dollars from the Oshkosh area. Learn more at discoveroshkosh.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.
