For more information contact:  Lisa Marshall, 608/267-3773

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

TRAVEL INFORMATION CENTERS HELP VISITORS "SEE AMERICA" RIGHT HERE IN WISCONSIN

Madison (April 29, 2005) - Travelers will find "Life's So Good" at Wisconsin's Travel Information Centers (WTIC) because they are celebrating national "See America Week" (formerly National Tourism Week), May 7-15, with activities, promotions and giveaways. A full description of travel center activities is listed below. In addition, the Department of Tourism releases its annual Economic Impact of Travelers on Wisconsin report on May 8th.

"In recognition of the hospitality industry's tremendous economic, social, and cultural impact in Wisconsin, we thank our visitors for their patronage, honor the employees who serve them, and show our pride for our industry," Governor Jim Doyle said. "The dollars spent by visitors have strengthened Wisconsin's economy by creating jobs, supporting local businesses from gas stations to retail stores, and creating greater tax revenues to support our state."

Travelers spent nearly $11.8 billion in 2004 at Wisconsin attractions, restaurants, hotels, campgrounds, events and other tourism-related businesses. Travel expenditures impact a variety of service sectors such as food and shopping, which account for more than half of all dollars spent by travelers in Wisconsin last year. Last year, the Department of Tourism served over 4.4 million people who sought Wisconsin travel information by phone, Internet, or by visiting Wisconsin Travel Centers.

Tourism Secretary Jim Holperin and Deputy Secretary Genyne Edwards are expected to participate in a variety of local community "See America Week" activities including events in Milwaukee, Madison, Eau Claire, La Crosse, Manitowoc, Oshkosh, and Washington, Fond du Lac, Ozaukee and Dodge counties.

Wisconsin Travel Information Centers Plan "See America Week" Activities for Travelers 

The state's Wisconsin's Travel Information Centers (WTICs) are offering "See America Week" activities, events and promotions showcasing Wisconsin's diverse tourism product. 

• Throughout the week, visitors to WTIC-Beloit will get a "healthy" dose of Wisconsin travel including samples of Wisconsin low fat cheese, milk or cranberry juice. The State Patrol will be on hand Wednesday to answer questions, distribute information on traffic safety and remind people to buckle-up. Kids will love the inside peak at the patrol car. Visitors can enter in a drawing for a Got Milk? Basket, which includes a Get Active football, small kick balls, Frisbee, t-shirt and more. For the golf enthusiast, the center is holding a drawing for a golf gift that includes golf passes, towels, balls, tees, mints, t-shirts and book.

• Travelers visiting the WTIC-Genoa City will enjoy special tourism treats throughout the week including chocolate samples in honor of the Burlington Chocolate Festival courtesy of the Burlington Chamber of Commerce and Jelly Belly samples from the Jelly Belly Factory in Pleasant Prairie. In addition, special "See America Week" gift packets will be available.

• The WTIC-Grant County will celebrate the week with representatives and displays from tourism organizations located in Grant and Lafayette counties. Visitors are invited to sign up to win free passes for Cave of the Mounds, Platteville Mining Museum and Joseph Huber Brewery tours. Delicious treats from Gile Cheese and Weber Meats in Cuba City and Jelly Belly samples will give travelers the energy they need to get to their Wisconsin destinations.

• Visitors to WTIC-Hudson will find "Life's So Good…. And Tasty!" On Friday, May 13th the travel center will be serving visitors a complimentary lunch sponsored by the Hudson Area Chamber of Commerce and Tourism Bureau. In addition to award winning Wisconsin hot dogs from RJ's Meats, the Hudson WTIC will distribute samples of Wisconsin products, including Jelly Belly samples, cheese curds from Ellsworth (Wisconsin's cheese curd capitol), and cherry fudge from Door County just to name a few. In addition, there will be free recipe cards and handouts from savorwisconsin.com and Something Special From Wisconsin.

• Hurley fourth-grade classes will make their annual visit to WTIC-Hurley to participate in educational activities that emphasize Wisconsin's fishing tradition. A special lobby exhibit featuring fishing will be on display the month of May. In addition, WTIC-Hurley will offer displays featuring Wisconsin ATV trails and maps, birding attractions and gardens throughout the state. Visitors can pick up a free Jelly Belly sample during their visit.

• The WTIC-Kenosha welcomes members of the Racine and Kenosha Convention and Visitor Bureaus on May 13th to talk with guests about attractions and upcoming events in those communities. Throughout the week, travelers can sample a variety of Wisconsin treats including Ocean Spray cranberry juice, Jelly Belly samples, Wisconsin cheese and sausage from Tim & Tom's Cheese House of Kenosha and Danish kringle courtesy of the Racine CVB. Visitors can also enter a drawing for a Kenosha Getaway Weekend that includes four tickets to the Bristol Renaissance Faire, $25 Jelly Belly gift certificate, pedicure at the Kenosha YMCA, Dairyland Greyhound Track fun pack and one night stay at the Kenosha Hawthorne Suites. Fourth grade students from Prairie Lane Elementary School will exhibit their artwork spotlighting the Wisconsin theme.

• Visitors to WTIC-La Crosse can challenge their language skills in a fun game featuring the state's new "Life's So Good" slogan. In addition, WTIC-La Crosse will offer delicious cheese samples, kid's packs and other Wisconsin products. The city of Stoughton will have a display during the month of May.

• Everyday of See America Week at WTIC-Prairie du Chien will offer travelers a different taste of Wisconsin's tourism industry. The travel center will offer milk, Jelly Belly samples, apple cider, Wisconsin cheese, Connie's famous pies from Hungry House restaurant and even catfish jerky and other fish delights from Valley Fish & Cheese. Visitors are invited to enter drawings for prizes including passes for Larson's Famous Clydesales, Wyalusing State Park, Villa Louis State Historical Site, Ten Chimneys and camping at Goose Island Campground among many others. Local radio station WPRE-980 AM will host a contest to win a Julia Belle Swain dinner cruise.

• Visitors to the WTIC-Superior can enjoy free cookies and coffee and sign up to win free admission to area attractions including Big Top Chautauqua, Bong Heritage Center, Apostle Island Cruise Service, Vista Fleet and Al Capone's Hideout. Children visiting the travel center will also receive a special gift just for them.

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