Wisconsin Reports Job Gains, Tourism Sector Leading the Way

MADISON, Wis. (July 22, 2011) – Seasonally adjusted, jobs in the leisure and hospitality industry made up 6,200 of the 9,500 net jobs added last month according to a report released by the Department of Workforce Development (DWD). The accommodations (lodging) and food services sector was the fastest growing with an increase in jobs of 2.3 percent seasonally adjusted.   

The latest preliminary estimates show a gain of 12,900 private-sector jobs from May to June, representing the largest one-month gain of private sector jobs since September 2003. The largest growth was in “tourist type” activities that fall under the categories of Leisure and Hospitality, Accommodations (lodging) and Food Services, and Retail Trade according to the DWD report.   

“Governor Walker clearly recognizes the power of tourism to create jobs,” Tourism Secretary Stephanie Klett said.  “He understands that in order to grow jobs and remain competitive in the tourism marketplace, we needed additional dollars for marketing. All signs point to a robust summer tourism season throughout the state. Today’s announcement demonstrates that we are seeing results in a big way.”  

Governor Walker signed a budget for Tourism with bipartisan support to increase the Department’s marketing budget by $2.5 million per year, or nearly 20 percent.  According to the U.S. Travel Association's 2009 annual Survey of State Tourism Office Budgets, 31 states cut funding for tourism advertising and marketing by 13 percent, or $52.7 million, between 2008 and 2009.  

Since January, the Department launched a $3 million summer ad campaign, re-opened the highest traffic welcome center in the state in Beloit this month and continues to grow the Travel Green Wisconsin initiative.  In the last fiscal year, the Department awarded $1.1 million towards 53 Joint Effort Marketing (JEM) grants to assist tourism projects around the state.  Those projects generated over $20 million for local economies.  

The mission of the Wisconsin Department of Tourism is to market the state as the Midwest’s premier travel destination by executing industry-leading marketing programs and establishing strategic partnerships. The Department plays a significant role in generating greater economic impact and jobs for Wisconsin.  For more Wisconsin travel information, visit www.travelwisconsin.com.