FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Amy Albright, Oshkosh Convention & Visitors Bureau, 100 North Main Street, Suite 112, Oshkosh, WI 54901, amy@discoveroshkosh.com
Winnebago County Tourism Saw Recording Breaking Year in 2023
Tourism Impact Grew 5.5% in 2023
Tourism generated $553 Million dollars in economic impact in Winnebago County contributing to Wisconsin tourism’s historic year.
The Wisconsin Department of Tourism released 2023 economic impact data, showing Winnebago County tourism experienced a record-breaking year, generating $553 Million in economic impact and contributing to Wisconsin tourism’s historic $25 billion economic impact. The statewide results mark back-to-back record years for the Wisconsin tourism industry and Winnebago County.
The 2023 economic impact surpassed the previous statewide record of $23.7 billion set in 2022. Winnebago County also surpassed the previous record of $524 Million set in 2022. Statewide, tourism’s historic year was fueled by economic impact growth in all 72 counties, a record number of overnight visitors for a second consecutive year and investments tourism businesses made in goods and services.
“Tourism in Winnebago County and in the State of Wisconsin continues to be a huge economic driver! 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.
Additionally, last year, Winnebago County tourism supported 4,296 part- and full-time jobs across various sectors of the industry, part of the more than 178,000 jobs sustained by tourism across the state. Tourism in Winnebago County; also generated $31.9 Million in local and state tax revenue. Statewide, tourism generated $1.6 billion in local and state tax revenue in 2023. Without this revenue, each Wisconsin household would pay an additional $660 to maintain the current level of government services.
“Wisconsin tourism powers the economy and strengthens the fabric of communities of all sizes,” said Wisconsin Department of Tourism Secretary Anne Sayers. “The historic impact of tourism reached every corner of Wisconsin and, in doing so, sustained livelihoods for thousands of our friends and neighbors.”
In 2023, Wisconsin welcomed 113 million visits, nearly 2 million more than the previous year. This number includes 45.9 million overnight visits last year — the second consecutive year of record-breaking overnight visitation. Overnight visitors, on average, spend almost three times as much as a day-trip visitor. View the 2023 economic impact data here, including a county-by county breakdown.
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About the Oshkosh Convention & Visitors Bureau
The Oshkosh Convention & Visitors Bureau is the official destination marketing organization for the greater Oshkosh area, 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.
