The first full week of May is annually recognized as National Travel and Tourism Week, a tradition first celebrated in 1984. This year’s events focus on the theme of travel effect. From May 4 – 12 events will be held across the country focusing on the impact of travel and tourism.

According to a press release from Gov. Walker:

In 2012, a 5 percent growth in the tourism economy translated to an increase in tourism-related employment and personal income, according to just released economic impact figures.

Tourism had a total impact of $16.8 billion on the state last year compared to $16 billion in 2011, a 5 percent increase, according to Tourism Economics, the research firm commissioned by the Department of Tourism. Since 2010, the state’s tourism economy has experienced a 13 percent growth from $14.8 billion. Other industry indicators included strong day traveler growth pushing recreational spending up 7 percent and a 2.7 percent daily rate increase at Wisconsin lodging properties, which helped grow overall hotel room revenue by 4.6 percent.

Tourism supports nearly 184,000 jobs and $4.5 billion in personal income. Fully one in 13 jobs in Wisconsin relies on tourism, and employment supported by tourism grew by 1.4 percent last year. Visitors generated $1.3 billion in state and local revenue and $977 million in federal taxes in 2012, saving Wisconsin taxpayers nearly $575 per household.