≡-Wisconsin Goes Arm-in-Arm With California, Florida, Texas, New York, Colorado, Maine, Louisiana and More as Last Year Fueled a Record-Smashing Travel Rush Across the US – Viral of Today

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Home » America Travel News » Wisconsin Goes Arm-in-Arm With California, Florida, Texas, New York, Colorado, Maine, Louisiana and More as Last Year Fueled a Record-Smashing Travel Rush Across the US Wednesday, June 11, 2025Wisconsin goes arm-in-arm with California, Florida, Texas, North Carolina, New York, Colorado, Maine, Louisiana, and Alabama in last year’s record-smashing travel rush across the US because it delivered its highest-ever tourism impact, driven by surging visitor spending, strong job growth, and a powerful rebound in both local and out-of-state travel demand. As Americans hit the road in record numbers, Wisconsin not only matched but exceeded expectations—posting over $25.8 billion in total tourism impact and proving that even midwestern destinations could thrive in a year dominated by big-name coastal states. Its rise into the national spotlight reflects a broader trend of widespread recovery and regional success stories that made 2023 one of the most impactful years for U.S. tourism in modern history.According to data released by the Wisconsin Department of Tourism, travel activity across the Badger State delivered a massive $25.8 billion boost to the state economy. That’s a 3.3% increase from the previous year and the third straight year of record-setting performance. Direct visitor spending alone brought in $16.3 billion, averaging nearly $44.5 million every single day.Governor Tony Evers didn’t hold back in celebrating the accomplishment, calling it a “tourism hat trick”—a nod to Wisconsin’s three consecutive years of smashing travel records. “Tourism is such an important and amazing industry for our state,” he said, “and I’m proud we’re on a record-breaking roll under my administration.”But Wisconsin’s success wasn’t limited to statewide numbers. Local destinations also experienced a boom. In the Fox Cities region, centered around Appleton and Outagamie County, tourism generated a stunning $763 million in total economic impact. That’s up from $724 million in 2022. Direct visitor spending in the county climbed to $438.9 million, a 6% jump, while tourism supported 5,832 local jobs and generated $48.6 million in state and local tax revenue.Behind these figures is a mix of direct and ripple-effect spending. Direct spending refers to what tourists shell out on things like hotels, restaurants, gas stations, and attractions. But that’s just the start. The Wisconsin Department of Tourism, working with research firm Tourism Economics, includes indirect and induced spending in its totals. That means money spent by tourism-related businesses on suppliers, and wages spent by workers in the local economy—everything from a waitress buying groceries to a hotel using local laundry services.This wave of travel spending didn’t just hit Wisconsin—it swept across the U.S., making 2023 one of the most robust years for American tourism on record.California, Florida, and Texas Take the LeadCalifornia led the national tourism surge, pulling in an astounding $157.3 billion in visitor spending. That’s not just a recovery—it’s a new record. The Golden State added 24,000 tourism jobs and raked in $12.6 billion in tax revenue from tourism alone. From the coasts of San Diego to the vineyards of Napa, California’s appeal proved unstoppable.Florida also had a banner year, welcoming a jaw-dropping 143 million visitors, the highest in its history. The Sunshine State’s winning combination of beaches, theme parks, and warm weather helped it outperform all expectations and reclaim its dominance as the top destination for domestic and international travelers.Meanwhile, Texas reported over $97.5 billion in tourism spending, making it one of the strongest travel economies in the South. From Austin’s music scene to the cultural draw of San Antonio, visitors continued to flock to the Lone Star State in record numbers.East Coast and Mountain States Surge ForwardNorth Carolina joined the ranks with its own record-setting achievement: $36.7 billion in total visitor spending. That translated into more than 230,000 tourism-supported jobs, showing just how vital the industry has become to the state’s economy.New York, too, surged back. While New York City alone drew 64.3 million visitors—nearly its all-time high—the state as a whole benefited from an uptick in international travelers, museum-goers, and those seeking scenic upstate escapes. Tourism spending across the Empire State hit new highs and brought in billions in tax revenue.Colorado saw a wave of adventure travelers and nature lovers that pushed visitation to 93.3 million people, resulting in $28.3 billion in tourism-related economic activity. From hiking in the Rockies to ski season in Aspen, the Centennial State tapped into travelers’ appetite for the great outdoors.Northern Gems and Southern SurprisesIn the Northeast, Maine saw a surge of summer visitors, drawing 7.76 million tourists during its high season and setting a new record. Coastal towns like Bar Harbor and Portland buzzed with energy as visitors flocked to lighthouses, lobster shacks, and hiking trails along the Atlantic.Down South, Louisiana marked a powerful comeback with 43 million tourists in a year, supported by New Orleans’ ever-popular festivals, cuisine, and culture. Tourism again proved to be one of the state’s economic anchors.And in Alabama, the Greater Birmingham area alone reached new heights with $2.57 billion in tourism impact, creating jobs and injecting new life into local hospitality businesses.Wisconsin goes arm-in-arm with California, Florida, Texas, New York, Colorado, Maine, Louisiana, and more because it delivered its highest-ever tourism impact last year, powered by surging visitor spending, growing job support, and a sharp rise in travel demand that helped fuel one of the most record-breaking tourism years across the United States.A Nationwide Travel Rush Like No OtherTogether, these ten states—Wisconsin, California, Florida, Texas, North Carolina, New York, Colorado, Maine, Louisiana, and Alabama—represent the full scope of America’s tourism resurgence. From coast to coast, big cities to small towns, travelers came back in record numbers, and they spent more than ever before.The data tells a story of resilience and reinvention. States that invested in marketing, attractions, infrastructure, and hospitality reaped the rewards. And with visitor demand showing no signs of slowing in 2024, many of these states are already setting their sights on breaking records all over again.As the dust settles on one of the most successful travel years in U.S. history, one thing is clear: America is on the move again—and Wisconsin is riding that wave right alongside the biggest names in travel.Tags: California, Colorado, florida, louisiana, maine, New York, Texas, Tourism news, travel industry, Travel News, US, Wisconsin

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