Lambeau Field, EAA strong tourism drivers

Posted on May 8, 2019 :: Insight on Business, Web Exclusive.
Avatar
Posted by of Insight Publications

Home to major attractions — the Experimental Aircraft Association and Lambeau Field — both Oshkosh and Green Bay saw their visitor spending numbers increase in 2018, according to information released this week by the Wisconsin Department of Tourism.

Brown County ranks among the top five counties in the state for tourism, with the county bringing in $697 million in 2018, up 3.91 percent from 2017. The area’s top attraction is Lambeau Field, and the addition of the amenities in the Titletown District have only added to visitor interest and provided a reason for them to stay longer.

Tourism’s impact on Oshkosh and Winnebago County’s economy reached $254.2 million in 2018, a 5.67 percent increase over the 2017 numbers. Tourism supported more than 4,880 jobs, with a total income of $136.5 million. EAA’s AirVenture is a major driver of tourism revenue, with a 2018 study finding the event had an economic impact of $170 million in a five-county radius in Northeast Wisconsin.

Here’s a look at how the other counties in the New North stacked up in direct visitor spending in 2018 and how it compared to 2017:

  • Calumet County: $32.4 million, up 2.29 percent
  • Door County: $366.6 million, up 2.26 percent
  • Florence County: $5.4 million, down 4.1 percent
  • Fond du Lac County: $149.6 million, up 1.93 percent
  • Green Lake County: $42.8 million, up 8.92 percent
  • Kewaunee County: $23.5 million, up 17.65 percent
  • Manitowoc County: $111.5 million, down 1.44 percent
  • Marinette County: $159.7 million, up 4.33 percent
  • Marquette County: $23 million, up 0.88 percent
  • Menominee County: $2.8 million, up 5.31 percent
  • Oconto County: $89.3 million, up 2.64 percent
  • Outagamie County: $361.7 million, up 3.98 percent
  • Shawano County: $68.5 million, up 2.3 percent
  • Sheboygan County: $240.1 million, up 7.64 percent
  • Waupaca County: $97.1 million, up 3.53 percent
  • Waushara County: $74.9 million, up 1.52 percent

Statewide, tourism spending increased 4.86 percent in 2018 for a total of $21.6 billion.