Gov. Evers Delivers Radio Address, Celebrates National Travel and Tourism Week
MADISON — Gov. Tony Evers today delivered his weekly radio address celebrating National Travel and Tourism Week, which extends from May 3 through May 9, 2026. The governor has been traveling around the state this week, highlighting Wisconsin’s thriving travel and tourism industry and recognizing the industry’s contributions to the state’s economy, workforce, and quality of life. This year’s National Travel and Tourism Week follows last year’s announcement of a third record-breaking year for Wisconsin tourism in 2024. Additionally, in March, Gov. Evers announced Wisconsin’s outdoor recreation industry also saw its third consecutive year of record-breaking economic growth in 2024.
According to 2024 economic impact data, Wisconsin’s tourism industry generated a record-high $25.8 billion in total economic impact, or about $70 million per day, surpassing the previous record of $25 billion set in 2023, which itself was a record year. Wisconsin also welcomed a record-breaking 114.4 million visitors in 2024—a 1.4 million increase from the previous year and eclipsing the former record of 113.2 million visitors in 2019, and the state’s tourism industry generated a record amount of state and local tax revenue, generating a record $1.7 billion that goes back to local communities and essential state services.
The 2025 economic impact report for Wisconsin’s tourism industry will be released in June, and travelers can plan their Wisconsin summer getaways at TravelWisconsin.com.
Additionally, today, Gov. Evers announced $50 million through the Non-State Grant Program, which was created by Gov. Evers in the 2023-25 Biennial Budget to support local infrastructure improvement and community development projects across the state. Building upon these efforts, the bipartisan 2025-27 Biennial Budget signed into law by Gov. Evers continued funding for this critical program with another $50 million investment to continue serving communities across the state. These grants will be voted on to be approved at the State Building Commission meeting, which the governor chairs, on Wed., May 13, 2026.
A transcript of the governor’s radio address is available below.
Hey there, folks! Governor Tony Evers here.
This week, we’re celebrating National Travel and Tourism Week here in Wisconsin.
Folks, tourism is a powerhouse of economic development and prosperity in our state, including a record-breaking—get this—$25.8 billion in economic impact in 2024, generating a record $1.7 billion in state and local revenue.
That’s money that goes right back into our state and our communities, and that is a big deal!
That’s why over the last several years, I’ve been proud to help support our state’s tourism industry by making smart, strategic investments.
I was proud to create our Office of Outdoor Recreation in my very first budget as governor, and I’m glad we made that office permanent in our most recent state budget.
Not only that, but we also created our brand-new Wisconsin Film Office—along with our new film tax credit program.
This new office will bring creative projects right to Wisconsin’s doorstep and inspire folks to visit and see what Wisconsin is all about.
A big part of our work to support our state’s travel and tourism industry has included investing in building projects and infrastructure to encourage its continued growth.
That includes projects like theater upgrades at American Players Theatre in Spring Green and museum expansions like the Railroad Museum in Ashwaubenon.
We have also invested in our recreation industry by supporting projects at Mt. Telemark Village and Sauk State Trail, and a brand-new sports complex in Janesville.
All of these projects not only create new experiences and opportunities for visitors and locals alike, but they also support strong economies and family-supporting jobs.
That’s why, this week, I’m excited to be announcing grants through our successful Non-State Grant Program, so we can continue to support projects like this that bolster our communities and economies, create jobs, and help make our state the great place it is to live, work, and, of course, visit.
So, with that, happy National Travel and Tourism Week, Wisconsin!
NOTE: This press release was submitted to Urban Milwaukee and was not written by an Urban Milwaukee writer. While it is believed to be reliable, Urban Milwaukee does not guarantee its accuracy or completeness.
Mentioned in This Press Release
Recent Press Releases by Gov. Tony Evers
Gov. Evers Celebrates $50 Million in Grants for 71 Community Development Projects Across the State, Urges State Building Commission to Approve Funds
May 8th, 2026 by Gov. Tony EversGovernor urges approval of local community development projects ahead of upcoming State Building Commission meeting
Gov. Evers Again Urges Trump Administration to Restore Funding to Prevent Fraud, Waste, and Abuse in Wisconsin’s Unemployment Insurance System
May 4th, 2026 by Gov. Tony EversThe governor’s latest letter marks the fourth request by the Evers Administration to restore funding Wisconsin needs to complete unemployment modernization efforts designed to help detect and prevent fraud, reduce improper payments, and improve efficiency
