A study by Davidson-Peterson Associates, Inc. entitled "Economic Impact of Expenditure by Travelers on the Greater Milwaukee Area, Calendar Year 2001" found that the Greater Milwaukee area experienced a 3.8% increase in tourism spending for 2001 compared to 2000.
Approximately $2.3 billion in travel expenditures was spent on tourism in the area, which includes Milwaukee, Ozaukee, Washington and Waukesha counties.
"The year 2001 saw the opening of Miller Park, the completion of the Calatrava expansion to the Milwaukee Art Museum and the one-year anniversary of Potawatomi Bingo Casino's expanded entertainment center," said Doug Neilson, President/CEO of the Greater Milwaukee Convention and Visitors Bureau.
The study also reports that while there wasn't an increase in overnight lodging visitations, those staying overnight spent more money on food and entertainment than they did in 2000.
{INSERT_RELATED}"With all there is to see and do in Milwaukee I am confident that those who visited Milwaukee for only a day in 2001 will strongly consider an extended stay in the future," added Neilson. "In the upcoming year Milwaukee is hosting several major events that are sure to draw visitors from around the world, such as the All-Star Game, and the Leonard da Vinci and the Splendor of Poland exhibit at the Milwaukee Art Museum."
In 2001, the local tourism industry employed 63, 659 full-time equivalent residents, which is 1,337 more than 2000.
"The travel, tourism, hospitality and recreation industry's contribution to Milwaukee's social, cultural and economic well being is more meaningful than ever before," said Mary Denis, GMCVB Vice President of Marketing. "Now more than ever before, National Tourism Week is the opportunity to emphasize and promote a wider understanding of the importance of travel and tourism as a major U.S. industry. Tourism is vital to the economic stability and growth of not only Milwaukee, but also the nation. It is also an opportunity to show our appreciation to our hospitality employees who help make Milwaukee the Genuine American City."
