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Tourist spending in Wisconsin up more than 3 percent in 2017

Walker says tourism is crucial to state's economy
Posted at 3:34 PM, May 04, 2018
and last updated 2018-05-04 16:34:27-04

MADISON, Wis. (AP) -- Tourist spending in Wisconsin in 2017 rose more than 3 percent from the previous year to $12.7 billion.

Gov. Scott Walker says the travel and hospitality industry is booming, and that tourism continues to be "crucial" to the state economy.

Milwaukee County led all counties with nearly $2 billion in direct tourist spending, a 3 percent increase. Dane County was second and Sauk County third.

The data released by the Tourism Department and governor's office show that tourism accounted for $20.6 billion in total sales in 2017, up from $20 billion the previous year. The industry directly or indirectly supported nearly 200,000 jobs.