By Brian E. Clark
WisBusiness.com
Wisconsin Tourism Secretary Kelli Trumble says she believes Wisconsin resorts and travel-based businesses are holding their own as they head into the two busiest weeks of the summer season.
Though Trumble said she doesn’t have figures on how much money tourists spent in June and July, she said some trends – including longer stays at Northwoods resorts and Wisconsinites staying closer to home – are positive.
But Trumble acknowledged that travel – an industry with a $13 billion impact on the state’s coffers – is facing challenges because of the high cost of gas and flooding in early June. She said Lake Delton, which disappeared when County Road A was breached, will see its business fall by as much as half this summer.
Trumble said she has been visiting resorts around the state in recent weeks and reported that most said they are doing well.
And she said regular gas prices that are now around $3.80 a gallon may prompt more families to hit the road.
“These are the two most important weeks of the year for tourism,” Trumble said. “After Aug. 15, kids are in sports camps or are heading back to college and families just travel less.”
To promote the state, Trumble said many resorts are offering online specials at travelwisconsin.com. Some of the deals expire on Aug. 15, she said.
