October 22, 2020 at 11:19 a.m.
Oneida County receives over $300,000 in TRAVEL grants from Dept. of Tourism
Funds provide relief from impacts of COVID-19
Oneida County receives over $300,000 in TRAVEL grants from Dept. of Tourism
In total, 158 recipients received TRAVEL grant funds totaling nearly $12 million, the release states.
The Let's Minocqua Visitors Bureau + Chamber of Commerce received $135,798.49, the Oneida County Tourism Council received $24,560, the Rhinelander Area Chamber of Commerce received $90,781, the Three Lakes Area Chamber of Commerce received $30,160.25 and the Tomahawk Regional Chamber of Commerce received $20,300, the release states.
"COVID forced us to cancel or retool so many of our key events," said Krystal Westfahl, executive director of the Let's Minocqua Visitors Bureau + Chamber of Commerce. "This money is absolutely critical to our organizations as we work to recoup those losses and prepare for a stronger 2021."
The TRAVEL grant program was designed to help Wisconsin's tourism promotion and tourism development organizations resume business operations and restore economic activity stemming from the COVID-19 public health emergency. The effort is funded through the state's discretionary federal Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act dollars.
"While there is no way for us to replace all that was lost, these grants are not only an acknowledgement of just how important tourism is to our state's economy, but also a critical first step in a long journey that we will take together to rebuild," said Secretary-designee, Sara Meaney. "I am grateful to Governor Evers for his commitment to Wisconsin's tourism economy."
"Statewide, the funds will provide relief from the impacts of COVID-19 and support marketing to promote a safe and healthy experience for travelers and resident consumers amid the COVID-19 public health emergency," the release states. "In Oneida County, the funds will help rebuild and strengthen chambers of commerce so they can continue to support and promote the county's businesses."
"This funding helps us to continue to serve an important role in supporting and spreading the word about our local shops, stores, and restaurants," said Collette Sorgel, president, Oneida County Tourism Council. "Thank you to Governor Evers and our federal decision makers for allocating these critical dollars and allowing us to continue facilitating the recovery of struggling businesses."
Tourism is an important pillar of the state's economy and the industry saw its biggest year on record in 2019. Over 113.2 million visits statewide generated an estimated $22.2 billion, including $1.6 billion in state and local tax revenue. The tourism industry supports 202,217 full- and part-time jobs in Wisconsin and last year, the state achieved a return on investment of $95 in visitor spending per $1 of promotional spending. At a more local level in Oneida County, travelers spent more than $241 million in 2019 and supported 2,254 full- and part-time jobs. While this data underscores that tourism is one of Wisconsin's most financially valuable industries, the impact of tourism advancement activities upon Wisconsin's economy stretches well beyond the tourism industry. The halo effect of tourism's advertising and attraction of travelers is a significant asset in recruiting entrepreneurs, workers, students, retirees and investors, the release states.
Comments:
You must login to comment.