MADISON, WI (WTAQ-WLUK) – Wisconsin lodging facilities are starting to see some relief.
Gov. Tony Evers announced more than $70 million from the American Rescue Plan Act were distributed to 888 lodging businesses around the state to help them offset some of the losses incurred from the pandemic.
“Members of Wisconsin’s lodging industry are essential to tourism in our state, and they were hit very hard by the coronavirus pandemic. Tourists and residents alike depend on their services when visiting or traveling around our beautiful state. We appreciate the work they’ve done under difficult circumstances. We are pleased to be able to provide a shot in the arm to an industry that needs it,” said Gov. Evers.
Despite the pandemic, Wisconsin’s tourism industry supported more than 157,000 jobs across the state and had a $17.3 billion impact on the state economy in 2020. So far in 2021, the industry is seeing recovery above 2020 numbers as travelers make up for missed vacations and spending time with family and friends.
- $10 million for local tourism investment projects;
- $75 million for the lodging grants;
- $11.25 million for movie theaters;
- $12 million for live event small businesses;
- $2.8 million for minor league sports teams;
- $10 million for live venues;
- $15 million for destination marketing organizations;
- $8 million for summer camps;
- $1 million for the Wisconsin Historical Society to assist in reopening historical sites; and
- $7.5 million to increase marketing support for Wisconsin’s tourism industry.
