Sawyer County Celebrates Tourism spending up 1.2% in Sawyer County Last Year By Sherry Beckman Executive Director, Hayward Lakes Visitors & Convention Bureau Visitor spending in Sawyer County was up 1.2% from last year according to a report released by the Wisconsin Department of Tourism. The publication of the state’s tourism economic impact report for 2018 coincides with National Travel and Tourism Week, which runs from May 5th-11th. Sawyer County visitors spent 93.1 million in 2018, an increase of 1.2% over the $ 92 million dollars spent by visitors in 2017. Overall visitor spending in Wisconsin totaled $21.5 billion last year according to the annual economic impact study prepared for the Wisconsin Department of Tourism by Tourism Economic. That’s a statewide increase of 4.68% compared to the $20 billion visitors spent in Wisconsin in 2017. In Sawyer County, the $93.1 million in direct visitor spending last year supported 1006 jobs and $22.8 million in labor income. Visitor spending also generated $10.5 million in state and local taxes, an increase of 2.94 % over 2017.
Sherry Beckman, Executive Director of the Hayward Lakes Visitors and Convention Bureau (HLVCB) said the annual economic impact figures continue to show how vital the travel industry is to the state and Sawyer County. “We are pleased to see the 8th consecutive year of visitor spending growth in Sawyer County, and along with it, the positive impact these dollars have on our local economy.” Beckman, said. In Sawyer County, the incremental growth in annual visitor spending over the past 5 years is 20 million, a 31% increase since 2014. The Town of Hayward room tax collections increased 45% from $49,000 in 2010 to $71,000 last year. 2018 is a notable year as it was the first year that the Town of Hunter was part of the room tax collection adding $63,000.00. Sawyer County ranked 34 among the state’s 72 counties in visitor spending. Tourism is an economic driver for Sawyer County, and Beckman says the HLVCB continues to work on new and innovative ways to promote the destination to travelers.
Hayward Lakes Visitors & Convention Bureau, Sawyer County, WI USA 15805 US Hwy 63/PO Box 1055 Hayward, WI 54843 715-634-4801 / 800-724-2992 haywardlakes.com
Discover Wisconsin Names Sawyer County as Choice Destination Sawyer County was selected as a choice destination in 2019 by Discover Wisconsin Media Works for their partnership in the newest TV segment, “The Trails at the Top” which aired on February 2, 2019.
L to R. Mariah Haberman, DW host, Lisa Beck, DW partner relations, Chris Ruckdashel, Hayward Chamber, Sherry Beckman, HLVCB, Jeff Raether, Cable Chamber, Cherie Morgan, HAMH & WE, Nancy Knutson, Birkie, Mary Motiff, Bayfield County Tourism and Ben Popp, Birkie.
Hayward Lakes Visitors & Convention Bureau
The Hayward Lakes Visitors and Convention Bureau, Sawyer County, WI USA is the official tourism marketing organization for Sawyer County, whose mission is to increase the number of visitors to the Hayward Lakes Area, by communicating the unique resources our area offers to the seasonally diverse activity segments and to the seasonally diverse demographic segments.
haywardlakes.com