The maintenance of the tourism industry and its continued growth is extremely important to the vitality and well-being of the Wisconsin economy.
In 1984, the Hospitality-Recreation-Tourism industry in Wisconsin accounted for 9.1 percent of the employment in the state of Wisconsin and 15.7 percent of the employment in Douglas County.
The continued growth of this industry can only be achieved through promotion competitive with surrounding states. The 1985-86 Wisconsin tourism budget of $2,550,000 compares poorly to the tourism budgets of Michigan ($11,800,000), Minnesota ($5,181,000), and Illinois ($15,500,000).
The Task Force on Tourism Funding has proposed a Travel Development Fee of 0.28 percent on recreation business. Assembly Bill 774 regarding tourism promotion, which incorporates the recommendations of the task force, will be introduced during the current legislative session.
This bill deserves serious consideration and discussion with all sectors and geographic areas of the tourism industry. A hearing on this bill is scheduled in Madison. A hearing on the bill should also be held in Superior for input from the northern part of the state.
Increased tourism promotion by the state of Wisconsin is crucial to the growth of this industry. The question that needs to be worked out is how this revenue will be generated, whether from general purpose revenue or from a tax on recreation businesses, and the decision needs to be made soon and the increased promotion implemented.
In addition to increased state funding for tourism promotion, Superior-Douglas County strongly urges the state to consider the following tourism related issues:
- The relocation of the Tourism Information Center from its present location on the east end of Superior to a more effective location for tourist accessibility. An alternative site has been identified and Superior-Douglas County representatives stand ready to discuss this issue.
- Reciprocity with neighboring states for non-resident admission fees to state parks.
- Strong and vocal opposition to the consideration of northern Wisconsin as a nuclear waste site.
- The completion of Highway 53 as a four-lane expressway.