Tourism recovering each statewide and in La Crosse County

LA CROSSE, Wisconsin (WEAU) – The tourism industry in La Crosse County and across the state is beginning to recover.

According to state tourism officialsThe pandemic resulted in a 30% decrease in direct spending by tourists in 2020.

AJ Frels, executive director of La Crosse County’s Convention and Visitors Bureau, says the Coulee area saw a similar decline in visitor spending.

“La Crosse County ranked ninth out of 72 counties in 2019 with $ 281 million in direct visitor spending,” said Frels. “When the pandemic broke out in 2020, we saw direct visitor spending dropping by $ 85 million in our county alone.”

Pandemic restrictions may have led to some changes in activity in the county, but there was still a wide range of outdoor events.

“Hiking, biking, canoeing, kayaking, fishing, anything on the water, we knew these activities would work and we could use these to help people still get out and do some things,” Frels said.

Tourism numbers are now starting to rise again and surpass some prepandemic levels.

“Hotel occupancy in April 2021 was 59% for La Crosse County in [April] In 2019 it was 57%, ”added Frels.

Craig Trost, communications director for Travel Wisconsin, says the state is also recovering, with some areas beating pre-pandemic tourism statistics.

“Leisure trips of two days or more are already beating not only the 2020 pandemic, but also our record year 2019,” said Trost.

Frels anticipates that La Crosse County’s tourism will continue to expand over the next several months.

He encourages travelers to visit whenever they are comfortable.

“Be smart about staying healthy. We are ready for you. We look forward to having you back at your pace when you are ready to travel,” said Frels.

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