Record-Breaking Year For Door County’s Visitor Economy in 2022

June 6, 2023 – Door County, WI.  2022 was a record-breaking year as Door County’s visitor economy generated $582 million in total economic activity last year, according to a new economic impact report from Tourism Economics, a global research firm.

The tourism economic impact study, commissioned by Destination Door County as part of the Wisconsin Department of Tourism’s annual economic impact research project, showed tourism’s total economic impact in Door County increased by $51.7 million over the previous year, totaling $582.4 million in 2022.

Direct visitor spending led the way, totaling $466.5 million last year, with indirect and induced spending representing the remaining $115.9 million and bringing the total economic activity from tourism to $582 million.

Door County’s visitor economy supported a total of 3,335 jobs, which earned local job holders $113.3 million in labor income in 2022. Additionally, $47.8 million in state and local taxes was generated as a result of tourism related spending. This represents a significant contribution to help fund local and state government programs and public infrastructure projects, while reducing the tax burden on county residents. Each household in Door County would need to be taxed an additional $2,000 to replace the visitor taxes received by state and local governments in 2022.

Julie Gilbert, President/CEO of Destination Door County, said the positive impacts of Door County’s visitor economy on residents and local families are substantial. “Not only did local businesses and workers earn more to support their families last year, but the increase in tax collections has given us a special opportunity to invest in our parks, in local infrastructure projects, and in other ventures that residents will see and benefit from,” Gilbert said.

Wisconsin also had a record-breaking year as the state’s tourism industry generated $23.7 billion in total economic impact in 2022. This was fueled by an increase in the number of overnight visitors to the state, which jumped to 45.4 million last year.

Gilbert said the outlook for 2023 looks promising for Door County. A busy Memorial Day weekend that included incredible weather helped jump-start things for the summer season ahead.

#####

View the full report: Economic Impact of Tourism in Door County 2022, by Tourism Economics

View the fact sheet: 2022 Door County Tourism Economic Impact Fact Sheet

Media Contact: Julie Gilbert, President/CEO, Destination Door County, julie@doorcounty.com or 920.818.1131