Julie Gilbert, President and CEO of Destination Door County
This column marks a full year in which I’ve been writing to highlight the importance of Door County’s visitor economy. I thank you Peninsular Pulse I’d like to continue to encourage you to contact me to offer your thoughts for the opportunity to provide this information, and as we continue to evolve as a more community-sharing-values organization.
As part of that evolution, we have begun the Destination Master Plan process to begin developing a shared vision that recognizes key issues and opportunities that identify the type of destination we all want to live, work and play in. What the audience wants to experience.
We know it’s important that all voices are heard – especially your voices, our residents. Our goals are to listen and create a shared vision to make Door County an even better place to live and work, while making it an attractive place to visit.
To that end, we sincerely appreciate your time to complete a survey that takes about 15 minutes. After completing the survey, you’ll win a $100 Door County gift certificate. Survey responses are anonymous and your email will not be used for any other purpose. Please complete Door County Population Census at surveymonkey.com/r/DoorCountyResidentSurvey.
In addition to this survey, we will be holding two in-person town hall meetings on Wednesday, September 13: at the Sister Bay Fire Department, 9:30-11 am; and at Sevastopol Town Hall, 5:30-7 p.m. We look forward to meeting you there and hearing your comments and suggestions.
We’re heading into our busiest summer months, which means more traffic and more people across the peninsula. Door County’s visitor economy had a record year in 2022, generating $582.4 million in total economic activity, according to a new report. Economic Impact Statement Tourism Economics, from the most prestigious, independent global research institute.
This tourism economic impact study is commissioned by Destination Door County as an annual part of the Wisconsin Department of Tourism. Economic Impact Research ProjectThe total economic impact of tourism in Door County increased by $51.7 million over the previous year.
Direct visitor spending led the way, totaling $466.5 million last year, while indirect and induced spending represented the remaining $115.9 million and brought total economic activity from tourism to $582.4 million.
I would like to highlight that Door County’s visitor economy supported a total of 3,335 jobs, which generated $113.3 million in 2022 for local employees. Additionally, $47.8 million in state and local taxes are generated as a result of tourism-related spending.
This represents a significant contribution to funding local and state government programs and public infrastructure projects, while reducing the tax burden on county residents. Visitor taxes received by state and local governments in 2022 will be replaced by an additional $2,000 tax on every household in Door County.
The positive impacts of Door County’s visitor economy on residents and local families are substantial. Not only did our local businesses and workers earn more to support their families last year, but the increase in tax revenue has given us a special opportunity to invest in our parks, local infrastructure projects and other initiatives that benefit us all.
Please do not hesitate to contact me [email protected]. I look forward to hearing your thoughts and suggestions so we can continue to grow in a positive direction.