Walker talks tourism gains in La Crosse

State numbers show nearly $224 million in tourism for La Crosse area

LA CROSSE, Wis. (WKBT) — Wisconsin’s tourism industry continues to grow.

Out-of-state travelers added more than $18 billion to Wisconsin’s economy last year, an increase of 5.5% over 2013.

Governor Scott Walker made a stop at Copeland Park in La Crosse Friday to talk about the new tourism numbers. He says the La Crosse area plays a big role in the state’s tourism industry.

“The Coulee Region is one of those areas. Right here in La Crosse and this part of the state’s got great attractions, not only with this field and the Loggers, but the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse, (and) with all the activities along the river and throughout the region,” said Gov. Walker.

La Crosse Area Convention and Visitors Bureau Executive Director Dave Clements says 2014 was a great year for tourism in the area, and this year is off to a good start.

“I talked to a hotel here yesterday who said he had a killer April month, so that’s always good news that those early months of the year are solid, and then we’ll roll right into tourism season,” said Clements.

The tourism industry brought nearly $224 million to the La Crosse area last year, up more than 4% compared to the previous year.