The $196 million from traveler spending in Eau Claire support the local economy with $25 million in local and state government generated revenue.  Top tourism categories for spending include lodging, food, shopping, and recreational activities.

The state of Wisconsin has experienced a 4.36% increase in direct visitor spending along with $320 million from total visitor spending, which in turn positively impacts jobs and tax revenue in our local communities.  In the Chippewa Valley alone tourism spending supported 6,125 full-time equivalent jobs and generated $133 million in wages and salaries. 

The National Travel & Tourism Week celebrations commence on Monday, May 6 at Acoustic Café and Smiling Moose Deli during lunch.  They continue on Tuesday, May 7 at Café Tempo and The Goat Coffee House in the morning for breakfast.  The Visit Eau Claire staff encourages media and the public to join them at our local businesses in downtown Eau Claire. 

Visit Eau Claire is scheduled to host a National Travel & Tourism Week Rally on Saturday, May 10 at Phoenix Park in collaboration with the Downtown Eau Claire Farmers Market from 10am – noon.  Amongst the games, prizes, and fun, Visit Eau Claire will also present over $20,000 in grants to support local organizations and events.

Visit Eau Claire effectively markets the Eau Claire area as a destination for conventions, group tour, sporting events, and leisure markets; to promote regional economic growth; to enhance the area’s overall identity and image; to sell fun, promote fun, and most importantly – Have FUN!