Chippewa County Tourism Saw Recording-Breaking Year in 2023

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Chippewa County Tourism Saw Recording-Breaking Year in 2023
CHIPPEWA FALLS, WI (June 11, 2024)
The Wisconsin Department of Tourism released 2023 economic impact data, showing Chippewa County tourism experienced a record-breaking 2023, generating $184 million and contributing to Wisconsin tourism’s historic $25 billion economic impact.

The statewide and Chippewa County results mark back-to-back record years for the Wisconsin tourism industry. The 2023 economic impact surpassed the previous statewide record of $23.7 billion set in 2022. Chippewa County also surpassed its previous record of $174 million set in 2022. Statewide, tourism’s historic year was fueled by economic impact growth in all 72 counties, a record number of overnight visitors for a second consecutive year and investments tourism businesses made in goods and services.

“Chippewa County is a four-season destination for nature enthusiasts and adventure seekers,” said Sue Leonard, Tourism Director for the Chippewa Falls Area Chamber of Commerce. “With miles of biking, hiking, snowmobile and ATV trails, and expansive waterways for fishing, boating and kayaking, outdoor recreation is just part of the visitors’ experience in this undiscovered gem in the heart of the Midwest.

“While the natural beauty attracts visitors, the local charm provided from our communities, our local hotels, restaurants and retail businesses and the area attractions make the visitor’s experience that much more memorable. We have a lot to offer from our fair to major music festivals, to our performing arts center to the wineries, distilleries and breweries that easily compliment that outdoor experience and contributes to the overall economic impact for Chippewa County.”

Last year, Chippewa County tourism supported 1,403 part- and full-time jobs across various sectors of the industry, part of the more than 178,000 jobs sustained by tourism across the state. Tourism in Chippewa County also generated $11 million in local and state tax revenue. Statewide, tourism generated $1.6 billion in local and state tax revenue in 2023. Without this revenue, each Wisconsin household would pay an additional $660 to maintain the current level of government services.

“Wisconsin tourism powers the economy and strengthens the fabric of communities of all sizes,” said Wisconsin Department of Tourism Secretary Anne Sayers. “The historic impact of tourism reached every corner of Wisconsin and, in doing so, sustained livelihoods for thousands of our friends and neighbors.”

In 2023, Wisconsin welcomed 113 million visits, nearly 2 million more than the previous year. This number includes 45.9 million overnight visits last year — the second consecutive year of record-breaking overnight visitation. Overnight visitors, on average, spend almost three times as much as a day-trip visitor. View the 2023 economic impact data here, including a county-by-county breakdown.

Go Chippewa County effectively engages potential visitors through a strategic mix of digital, video, and social media advertising across the Upper Midwest. "We can attribute the increase in visitor spending to several factors, including successful marketing initiatives, regional music festivals and special events, local sporting events, and the accessibility of our community for leisure travelers," said Leonard. Additionally, we provide financial and marketing support for groups planning events in Chippewa County and we maintain strong relationships with key stakeholders throughout the region. For more information about our tourism partners, accommodations, and local attractions, please visit gochippewacounty.com.
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About Chippewa County
Chippewa County has 12 unique villages/cities to visit: Bloomer, Boyd, Cadott, Chippewa Falls, Cornell, (Northern) Eau Claire, Holcombe, Jim Falls, Lake Hallie, Lafayette, New Auburn, and Stanley.

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