The Wisconsin tourism industry will mark National Tourism Week, May 8-16, with activities and events throughout the state, the release of the Department's annual Economic Impact of Travelers on Wisconsin report and a series of public service announcements that recognize the thousands of individuals that make up the state's travel and hospitality industry.

"Wisconsin is a great state in which to live, work and play," Gov. Jim Doyle said. "From vibrant cities rich with arts and culture to outdoor recreation supported by well-managed natural resources, Wisconsin remains a top Midwest travel destination."

Travelers spent $11.7 billion in 2003 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.

The Department of Tourism will hold a joint press conference with the Wisconsin Dells Convention & Visitors Bureau on May 10 to release the 2003 economic impact research and individual county figures. The press conference is scheduled for 11:00 a.m. at Wilderness Hotel and Golf Resort on 511 East Adams Street in Wisconsin Dells.

Tourism Secretary Jim Holperin and Deputy Secretary Genyne Edwards are expected to participate in a variety of local community National Tourism Week activities including events in Chippewa Valley, Green Lake, Neillsville, Milwaukee, Manitowoc, Platteville, and Washington and Dodge counties.

Wisconsin Travel Information Centers Plan Tourism Week Activities for Travelers

The state's ten Wisconsin's Travel Information Centers (WTICs) will also commemorate National Tourism Week with activities, events and promotions showcasing Wisconsin's diverse tourism product.

� Throughout the week, visitors to WTIC-Beloit can enter a grand prize drawing for a Rock County Getaway Package that includes a stay at the Comfort Inn in Edgerton and gift certificates from Rock County tourism businesses and attractions. Other drawings include admission passes to Geneva Lakes Greyhound Track and Old Wade House. The WTIC-Beloit will host the Wisconsin State Patrol on Saturday, May 15th and offer cheese and cranberry samples for travelers on Wednesday, May 12th.

� Travelers visiting the WTIC-Genoa City on May 8-9 will enjoy a special tourism gift and refreshments. On May 14-16, representatives from the Burlington Chamber of Commerce will offer free chocolate samples. Special displays for "Year of Wisconsin Forestry" will highlight recreational opportunities throughout the state.

� The WTIC-Grant County will celebrate the week with representatives from tourism organizations in Cassville, Platteville, Cuba City and Lancaster. On May 12th from 11am to 1pm, a Park Ranger from the US Army Corp of Engineers will present "Having Fun Along the Mississippi River." Throughout the week, visitors will be treated to Rural Route One Popcorn samples and meat and cheeses from local distributors and retailers. In addition, visitors are invited to sign up to win free passes to the Rollo Jamison Museum, Cave of The Mounds and House on the Rock.

� As part of Tourism Week, WTIC-Hudson has erected a display for the Grand Excursion and Great River Road featuring the official Grand Excursion Quilt. This hand-appliqu�d and embroidered quilt was created by several Wisconsin Amish quilters selected for this historical project. The official Grand Excursion Quilt is being auctioned on www.grandexcursion.com.

� Hurley and Mercer area fourth-grade classes will again visit the WTIC-Hurley to participate in activities focused on the Year of Wisconsin Forestry theme. A special lobby exhibit of Iron County waterfalls created by the Hurley Chamber of Commerce has been installed and visitors requesting waterfall information will receive a special travel gift.

� The WTIC-Kenosha will welcome members of the Racine and Kenosha Convention and Visitor Bureaus to talk with guests about attractions and upcoming events in those communities. Complimentary cranberry juice, Jelly Belly samples, and cheese will be featured all week.

� The WTIC-La Crosse will be offering free cheese samples throughout the week, as well as handing out posters and special kids' packs to Wisconsin visitors.

� Nearly $1000 worth of prizes are being offered this year at the WTIC-Marinette including admission passes to the Green Bay Botanical Gardens and gift certificates to Rail House Brewery, The Pepper Mill, Tradewinds, Schusslers Supper Club, Hilltop Resort, Culvers, and Brothers Three Restaurant.

� At the WTIC-Prairie du Chien, every day will take on a different theme such as Historic Sites Day, State Parks and Forests Day, WI Dairy Day, Fishing Day, among others. Highlights include a variety of complimentary Wisconsin treats and samples from maple syrup candy, cheese curds and catfish jerky to Blumers soda from Huber Brewery. Visitors will have the opportunity to enter a variety of drawings for admission passes to area attractions and prizes from local businesses.

� Visitors to the WTIC-Superior can enjoy free cookies and coffee and sign up to win free admission to 11 different area attractions. Children visiting the travel center will receive a special gift.

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Media Contact: Lisa Marshall +1 608-267-3773 lmarshall@travelwisconsin.com