Visitor spending rises in Pierce, St. Croix counties

• Visitor spending

Tourism revenue increased by more than 7% in River Falls’ two home counties. Table courtesy of the St. Croix EDC

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According to an annual analysis released May 4 by the Wisconsin Department of Tourism, visitor spending for 2011 increased 7.29% in Pierce County to $23.4 million and 7.18% in St. Croix County to $74.4 million.

Statewide, traveler spending resulted in a one-year increase of 7.6% across the state, an estimated $16 billion in total business sales. Across the state, an estimated 181,000 jobs -- direct, indirect, or induced – are supported by tourism. For 2011, this represents 7.8% percent of all employment in Wisconsin.

In the Greater St. Croix Valley region of Polk, St. Croix, Pierce, and Dunn counties, visitor spending in 2011 was estimated at $206.4 million compared to $197.8 million in 2011 (a 4.35% increase).

The Greater St. Croix Valley is located within a 13-county metro area that is between the Twin Cities and Eau Claire. Most visitors to the Greater St. Croix Valley enjoy day trips to surrounding counties but return to their homes without incurring expenses on lodging.

Milwaukee is the state’s top county for visitor spending in 2011 with receipts estimated at $1.57 billion. Dane and Sauk counties both topped $800 million from visitors in 2011. Dane had receipts of $893.7 million and Sauk had $809.6 million.

The study also estimated local, state, and federal taxes linked to visitor spending. In 2011, visitors generated $1.3 billion in state and local revenue in the state and $950 million in federal taxes. Those totals equate to nearly $565 per household.

Tourism ranks as one of Wisconsin’s top three industries, along with manufacturing and agriculture.

For additional information about tourism in Wisconsin, go online to www.travelwisconsin.com.

Tags: area news, business, wisconsin, travel