Column: Why tourism matters

The Northwoods of Wisconsin is a special place, Rhinelander included. With beautiful lakes, forests, outstanding area businesses and the huge variety of outdoor recreation opportunities — it is no wonder why we all chose to live here. It is these same amenities and features that drive travelers to the Northwoods year after year.

May 19-25 was National Travel & Tourism Week. National Travel and Tourism Week is an annual celebration that underscores travel’s essential role in driving our nation’s economy, cultivating vibrant communities and forging connections. Plus, Memorial Day Weekend is typically known as the unofficial start of the summer tourism season.

The Rhinelander Area Chamber of Commerce plays a vital role to the tourism economy in the Northwoods. The Rhinelander Area Chamber of Commerce is the Rhinelander area’s Destination Marketing Organization (DMO). The Rhinelander Chamber, in collaboration with local tourism committees such as the Rhinelander Tourism & Marketing Committee and the Oneida County Tourism Council, leads tourism-related projects and initiatives. I’d like to share what travel means to Rhinelander — from our jobs to our economy — travel touches and improves it all.

Tourism plays a vital role in job creation. In 2022, there were approximately 2,125 jobs impacted by tourism in Oneida County. Think about all the places tourists visit, like hotels, restaurants, and stores that sell outdoor gear or souvenirs. These businesses need people to work for them. 

So, when more tourists come to town, it means more job opportunities for locals. You could work in a hotel or restaurant, manage an area attraction, or even work in retail selling products. Tourism doesn’t just provide jobs; it also helps make our economy stronger by giving area residents different kinds of work to do.

Furthermore, when people travel and visit places like Rhinelander, it helps our economy grow because they spend money. Whether they’re eating at local restaurants, buying handmade crafts at fairs or markets, or enjoying outdoor activities, tourists bring in cash that helps keep our towns vibrant. Their spending doesn’t just stop there; it ripples out and helps small businesses thrive, giving a boost to people starting their own businesses too. Plus, the taxes generated from tourism help pay for things like essential public services, fixing roads, and quality of life improvements for everyone who lives here.

Beyond the job creation and economic impact, tourism plays a crucial role in showcasing Rhinelander’s unique identity and cultural heritage. Tourists are drawn to our town not only for its natural beauty but also for its rich history and welcoming people. From the iconic Hodag statue to the historic downtown, Rhinelander offers a glimpse into Wisconsin's storied past and the pride our residents feel for our community. With our outdoor recreation amenities, historic places to visit, and fun events and attractions, tourists get to know our town better and feel like they belong here, too.

But keeping Rhinelander's tourism going strong depends on how well we deal with problems and make the most out of our opportunities to grow. That’s why it’s super important for everyone involved to focus on ways to protect our natural amenities, seek ways to improve the visitor experiences, and get the community involved. By doing this, we can make sure Rhinelander stays a top spot for visitors in the future.

To sum everything up, tourism is more than just a source of revenue; it’s also about helping Rhinelander grow, showing off our history, unique identity, and how strong our community and our people are. If we take care of our tourism industry and celebrate what makes us special, we can keep Rhinelander a great place for both visitors and locals for years to come.

To learn more about the Chamber’s role in tourism, as well as recent projects, check out our website www.RhinelanderChamber.com/tourism.