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Marathon County sees record $497 million in economic impact from tourism in 2024
WAUSAU − Marathon County saw record tourism in 2024, which supported over 3,600 jobs and generated over $30 million in state and local tax revenue in the county.
Economic impact data revealed a third straight year of record-breaking numbers in 2024, the Wisconsin Department of Tourism said in a June 10 news release. The tourism industry reported records in economic impact ($25.8 billion) and visits (114.4 million) across the state.
Marathon County set its own record of $497 million of economic impact resulting from tourism, according to the release. The previous record of $490 million was set in 2023.
'Our local communities work hard to create places where people want to visit, live, work and invest,' Tim White, Visit Wausau executive director, said in the release. 'It all starts with a visit. As we showcase Marathon County, everyone benefits.'
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Tourism supported 3,617 jobs in 2024 in Marathon County and generated $30.2 million in state and local tax revenue in the county, according to the Department of Tourism. The tourism industry supports 182,000 jobs and $1.66 billion in state and local taxes statewide.
Without tourism-related tax revenue, Wisconsin households would need to pay an additional $678 in taxes to sustain the current level of government services, according to the release.
'Economic benefits are great, as they motivate our continued efforts to enhance life for residents and visitors alike,' White said.
The increase in visitors, which exceeded the previous record set in 2019 by more than one million, is attributed to 'economic contributions from all corners of Wisconsin' and 'strategic investments in tourism,'according to the release.
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'Tourism in all corners fueled this hat-trick of records for an accomplishment the entire state can celebrate,' Anne Sayers, Department of Tourism secretary, said in the release. 'The impact of the visitor economy is felt statewide. Tourism sustains livelihoods and local businesses, uplifts communities and powers Wisconsin's economy.'
More information on the economic impact report can be found on the Department of Tourism website at Additional information on visiting Wausau and Marathon County can be found at
Erik Pfantz covers local government and education in central Wisconsin for USA TODAY NETWORK - Wisconsin and values his background as a rural Wisconsinite. Contact him at epfantz@
This article originally appeared on Wausau Daily Herald: Marathon County tourism generated 3,617 jobs in 2024
