July 8, 2025 – The Tourism Federation of Wisconsin (TFW) applauds Governor Evers, Speaker Vos, Leader LeMahieu, and the Wisconsin State Legislature for investing $30 million in one-time funding and $1 million each year in ongoing funding for the Wisconsin Department of Tourism’s marketing efforts in the recently approved state
biennial budget.
“Governor Evers and the Legislature recognize that the state tourism industry is a vital economic driver for Wisconsin,” TFW Chair Bill Elliott said. “Tourism brought in a record-breaking $25 billion in economic impact last year—the third year in a row. It’s clear that the state’s commitment to marketing is delivering real results.”
In addition to a tourism marketing funding increase, the Governor and Legislature also approved the following in support of the tourism industry:
- Two permanent positions in the Office of Outdoor Recreation
- One project position for the Office of Group Travel
- Creates a Wisconsin Film Office with 1 position and $5 million in film tax incentives
- $50 million grant program through the Wisconsin Building Commission for non-state projects that provide a statewide public service.
$5 million for the Taliesin restoration. TFW is a coalition of tourism-related organizations that cooperatively seeks to improve Wisconsin’s tourism industry through supportive legislation and policies.
