TRAVEL NEWS BRIEFS

And the Travelwisconsin.com Hits Just Keep on Playing 

It's pretty clear that Internet use is up across the board in the travel sector. Research from the Travel Industry Association (TIA) reports 79 million Americans now use the Internet to make travel plans, a significant increase from the year before. This trend is certainly reflected in visits to travelwisconsin.com, which topped 3.7 million in 2005, up from just over a million five years ago. E-Business Director John Kuehl attributes the 24% increase between 2004 and 2005 in large part to advertising on search engines such as Google and Yahoo, which helps reach potential travelers in markets that aren't otherwise exposed to the Department's print or broadcast advertising.

And the future for travelwisconsin.com? Expect to see more engaging content. Fresh articles have been commissioned this spring and new travelogues have already been posted. 

Eagle Watching Communities Receive Governor's Award 

Sec. Holperin made the rounds of several communities in January to present the Governor's Putting Wisconsin on the Map Award. Cassville, Prairie du Chien and the "twin cities" of Sauk City and Prairie du Sac received the award for their role in hosting winter eagle watching events. The award is designed to honor groups or individuals that creatively promote Wisconsin tourism attractions and raise the state's profile nationwide. Pictured right are organizers of Bald Eagle Appreciation Day in Prairie du Chien.

And We'd Like to Thank …. Our Sponsors 

With the 2006 Governor's Conference just days away, now is a good time to recognize and thank the corporate, non-profit and tribal sponsors. Without their investment, a conference of this size and sophistication couldn't happen year after year. So, if you run into any of the sponsors at the Conference, be sure to say "thanks." If you're wondering who they are, you'll find a list in the Conference Program.

Golf Wisconsin Day Expands to a Full Weekend 

The last two annual Golf Wisconsin Day events have been such a hit, that this year's event has expanded to an entire weekend. On June 10-11, junior players can play free with a paying adult at more than 100 courses statewide. Golf Course Owners of Wisconsin (GCOW) is corralling up the courses. Expect to see more on Golf Wisconsin Weekend and participating courses later this spring or contact Jerry Huffman for more information.

See America Week/National Tourism Week is May 13-21, 2006

Mark the calendar for the annual See America Wee (formerly known as National Tourism Week).  This nine-day "week" is the tourism industry's opportunity to celebrate, recognize and general public awareness of the impact travel has on our economy and society. For more information and ideas to plan See America Week events in your community, visit www.tia.org. 

Upcoming Meetings 

• Governor's Council Meetings: Sunday, March 12 from 1:00 - 3:00pm. Wisconsin Dells. 

• Governor's Council Meeting: Thursday, April 13 from 10:00am - 2:00pm. The Osthoff Resort, Elkhart Lake. 

• Marketing Committee: April 4. Time TBD. Tourism Offices Sports 

• Marketing Committee: TBD Meetings & Conventions Committee: TBD

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