The economic impact of tourism in the Fox Cities reached $787 million including $603 million in direct spending, according to the Fox Cities Convention and Visitors Bureau.
Direct visitor spending increased 5.6%, a gain of $32 million over 2023. Visitor spending supported 6,945 jobs in the region, with a total employee income of $209 million. Of these, 5,091 jobs were directly related to the tourism industry, encompassing sectors including restaurants, hotels, and attractions.
State and local tax revenue generated by visitation to the Fox Cities totaled $66 million.
“This growth is a direct reflection of the dedication of our local lodging and hospitality industries and the diverse, original experiences we offer. The investments we’ve made in tourism infrastructure, such as the Fox Cities Exhibition Center and Community First Champion Center, play a significant role in driving visitor spending,” said Pam Seidl, Executive Director of the Fox Cities Convention & Visitors Bureau.
Visitor spending is tracked across five categories: lodging, food and beverage, retail, recreation and entertainment, and transportation. Spending increased in all five categories: lodging grew the most, 7.5% to $131 million, followed by recreation and entertainment, 5.8% to $91 million. The remaining spend totaled $126 million in retail, $72 million in transportation, and $180 million in food and beverage.
The state of Wisconsin posted a record-breaking year, with the total economic impact of tourism in the state rising to $25.8 billion in 2024. Statewide tourism supported 182,000 jobs and generated $1.7 billion in state and local tax revenues.
Annually, the FCCVB commissions a custom local impact report from a study conducted for the state of Wisconsin by Tourism Economics, an Oxford Economics Company. Local spending data covers the communities served by the FCCVB – Appleton, Kaukauna, Menasha, Neenah, Combined Locks, Fox Crossing, Harrison, Hortonville, Kimberly, Little Chute, Sherwood, Buchanan, Clayton, Freedom, Grand Chute, Greenville, Vandenbroek, Woodville, Wrightstown, and the town of Neenah.
