Greater Green Bay CVB Releases 2007 Travel Spending Figures

May 15, 2008

Green Bay , WI – The impact of tourism remains constant in Northeast Wisconsin. Recently released survey findings indicate that Brown County tourism expenditures in 2007 increased by 2.38 % over the final figures from 2006. Spending by visitors to Brown County topped $530 million last year.

Greater Green Bay Convention & Visitors Bureau President and CEO Brad Toll, reported on the latest tourism figures today during the bureau’s National Tourism Week event held at the Weidner Center for the Performing Arts.

“Our community hosted a record-setting 547 meetings and conventions.  More than 3,000 tattoo artists visited in January, and in June two major fishing tournaments highlighted the area’s trophy fishing, bringing boats in from across the country.  Packers fans from 42 states visited the bureau’s Mobile Welcome Center during Packer Training Camp. Once again, Greater Green Bay proved to be a popular travel destination in the State of Wisconsin,” said Toll.

Visitors traveling to Greater Green Bay spent their dollars on shopping, recreation, dining, lodging and transportation. Over 8,700 full-time equivalent jobs are supported by the Brown County tourism industry. Other survey statistics indicate that:

• Summer is the top season for tourism, accounting for $159 million, or 31% of the total. Fall spending was $151 million (28%), Spring spending totaled $113 million (21%) and Winter tourism topped $107 million (20%).
• Business travel topped the travel purposes at 38%. Travelers visited 36% of the time for leisure trips and 26% attended meetings or conventions in the area.
• Many area businesses benefited from travel spending in 2007. Retail shopping represented the largest single expenditure category totaling $158 million, followed by food and recreation.

The travel expenditure statistics in Wisconsin were compiled by Davidson-Peterson Associates of Kennebunk, Maine in cooperation with the Wisconsin Department of Tourism.

Media Inquiries:

Brad Toll, President & CEO 920-405-1138 or
Brenda Krainik, Director of Marketing 920-405-1176

Greater Green Bay Convention & Visitors Bureau is the official regional destination marketing organization committed to improving the visitor experience and increase the economic impact of tourism Algoma, Allouez, Ashwaubenon, DePere, Green Bay, Howard, Mishicot and Oneida Nation.