Optimism is the word that can best describe Manitowoc Director of Tourism’s outlook for 2023.
Courtney Hansen of Visit Manitowoc hosted a breakfast Wednesday at the Wisconsin Maritime Museum to celebrate National Travel & Tourism Week.
Although 2022 statistics won’t be available until the first of June, Hansen spoke of very good numbers in 2021.
“Throughout that year we reported over $112 million in direct visitor spending across the county, which is almost a 30% increase from the prior year,” she revealed to Seehafer News. “That really does show we rebounded from the covid pandemic and we’ve had such growth and revitalization in our downtown and focus on outdoor rec and that’s what folks are coming here for.”
Hansen explained there was a good cross-section of travel partners on hand for the breakfast meeting.
“Our big tourism partners, those lodging partners, attractions, and different organizations we work a whole lot with because tourism is building our economy,” she explained. “We work very closely with Progress Lakeshore, the Chamber, and folks in Two Rivers.”
The unofficial start of the summer tourism season is next Thursday, May 18th when the S.S. Badger begins its 70th anniversary sailing season, arriving at the Manitowoc port at noon.
Meanwhile, Visit Manitowoc’s new office is located downtown at 824 South 8th Street.
Hansen tells us they’re also launching some new digital kiosks inside and outside the office and at locations around the community.
