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National Tourism Week, May 12-20 

This month, tourism destinations in Wisconsin and nationwide will bring attention to the powerful economic, social and cultural impacts of travel through a variety of events, from banquet dinners and tourism breakfasts to visitor center activities and legislative days. At the state's 10 Welcome Centers, travelers will be treated to free food samples, special promotions and activities to both thank them for their visit and to further promote the state's travel offerings. Secretary Trumble and several staff members are scheduled to hit the road to deliver a Tourism Week message. Stops include Washington County, Beaver Dam, Manitowoc, Sheboygan, Fond du Lac, Milwaukee, Kenosha, Green Bay, and others.

This year's national theme is "Travel & Tourism: America's Front Door," which illustrates the importance of travel to America's image and suggests its impact as a leading industry for economic growth. More information about National Tourism Week, downloadable graphics, online toolkit, and more ideas are available at www.tia.org.

County Economic Impact Report Coming Any Day

While everyone was happy to hear the good news in March that traveler spending was up $880 million dollars last year, what everyone really wants to know is "how did my county do?" Rest assured that this information is coming in just a few days after we ensure that we have all of our numbers counted and confirmed. So, here is the plan for those of you anxiously waiting.

The Department will email links to all of the research reports early in the week of May 7. Later that week, Chambers of Commerce, Convention & Visitor Bureaus, statewide tourism organizations, and a handful of economic development groups will receive a bundle of the popular, four-color economic impact booklets in the mail.

We ask that you do not release this information to the media until May 13. The Department will release the reports to the media in time to appear in Sunday's (May 13) news.

Who do you call if you have questions?

• Questions about the research itself: David Scheler (608-261-8187; dscheler@travelwisconsin.com)

• Questions regarding releasing the report to the media: Jerry Huffman (608-261-8195; jhuffman@travelwisconsin.com)

• Questions such as: Where is the research online? Where can I get more economic impact booklets? Lisa Marshall (608-267-3773; lmarshall@travelwisconsin.com)

The International Eco-Tourism Society Conference Coming to Madison 

You've heard about Travel Green Wisconsin. Maybe you think it's a good idea or you're still weighing it as an option. Perhaps you want more information. You are in luck, because The International Eco-tourism Society (TIES) is bringing their conference to the Monona Terrace Convention Center in Madison, September 26-28, 2007. This is a very unique opportunity that brings together hundreds of ecotourism experts, government officials, and travel/hospitality industry practitioners involved in or working towards responsible tourism. And not surprisingly it's all happening in our own backyard. Educational tracks and registration forms will be available soon, but in the meantime check out their website for more information and be part of an international (and statewide) effort to "protect the planet one trip at a time." 

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