We’re highlighting travel’s essential impact on our economy & countless communities across the country.

$2.8 Trillian Economic Footprint

$1.3 Trillion in Travel Spending

15 Million Jobs Supported

2.5% of U.S GDP

What Is National Travel and Tourism Week (NTTW)?

Established in 1983, National Travel and Tourism Week (NTTW) is an annual tradition to celebrate the U.S. travel community and travel’s essential role in stimulating economic growth, cultivating vibrant communities, creating quality job opportunities, inspiring new businesses and elevating the quality of life for Americans every day.

TRAVEL. Powering the Economy. Connecting America.

National Travel and Tourism Week celebrates the industry’s critical role in powering our nation’s economy, communities and connections. Together, let’s demonstrate our industry’s critical importance—in every corner of our country. Travel is a $2.8 trillion industry that supports nearly 15 million American jobs while fueling other important industries like manufacturing, health care and agriculture—all which depend on travel to generate business, spur innovation and support education. In 2022, the La Crosse Region generated $304.6 million in Direct Visitor Spending and $34.7 million in State and Local Taxes alone!

The travel industry is essential to America’s success—it is an economic powerhouse that unites people, benefits society and is paramount to the United States’ global competitiveness. It’s important to continue to grow this vital sector of the U.S. economy. We must elevate the perceived value of the industry among policymakers, opinion leaders and business leaders.

“Tourism Matters to Wisconsin.”

“Travel Is Essential To You”

We look forward to continuing to welcome visitors in 2024 and beyond! From Grandad Bluff to the great Mississippi River and each business in between, tourism to the La Crosse Region contributes so much to our local economy and the spirit of our community. From all of us at Explore La Crosse, we are excited for all of the promising things ahead for travel in the La Crosse Region, state of Wisconsin, and United States.

The post It’s National Travel & Tourism Week! appeared first on ExploreLaCrosse.

You don’t have to travel to distant destinations in order to uncover mountain-like vistas, epic waterways, riveting road trips, or natural wonders! Located just a road trip away, the La Crosse Region bursts with wander-ful treasures suitable for every type of explorer. Get lost in the wonder where charming attractions and rare topography collide!

The post If You Like To Wander, then You’ll Love Getting Lost in the La Crosse Region appeared first on ExploreLaCrosse.

What Is National Travel and Tourism Week (NTTW)?

Established in 1983, National Travel and Tourism Week (NTTW) is an annual tradition to celebrate the U.S. travel community and travel’s essential role in stimulating economic growth, cultivating vibrant communities, creating quality job opportunities, inspiring new businesses and elevating the quality of life for Americans every day. May 7-13, 2023, marks the 40th anniversary of NTTW. Join us to highlight how integral travel is to every industry and nearly everything we do. Our recovery is the nation’s recovery, and travel is essential to a future of American growth and innovation. Join us as we keep moving #TravelForward.

The Power of Travel’s Untapped Potential

“Prior to the pandemic, travel was our nation’s #1 services export and generated a significant trade surplus. In 2022, travel’s trade surplus declined to just $3 billion—from a peak of $86 billion in 2015—due to the slow return of inbound international travel and full recovery of outbound travel. How we build back: Drastically lower visa wait times and welcome more international visitors to the U.S. Domestic leisure travel spending reached $837 billion in 2022. While far above pre-pandemic levels in nominal terms, it has essentially recovered to 2019 levels when adjusted for inflation. As domestic business and international inbound travel remain further behind, there is much room to grow: Domestic business travel spending remained at just 74% of 2019 levels (inflation-adjusted). International inbound visitations were 64% recovered, while inflation-adjusted spending was just 55% recovered. Let’s move #TRAVELFORWARD”

-USA Travel Association

“Tourism Matters to Wisconsin.”

“TRAVEL AS AN ECONOMIC ENGINE: In 2022, direct travel spending totaled $1.2 trillion, powering communities and livelihoods across the nation. Did you know: 68% of Americans agree travel and tourism to their region are important economic contributors to local businesses and jobs. With an economic output of $2.6 trillion in 2022, travel serves as an essential catalyst for a productive U.S. economy and helps to fuel connection and innovation within other industries. Travel spending generated nearly $160 billion in total tax revenue, including $84 billion in state and local tax revenue in 2022. What’s more: 62% of Americans agree taxes paid by travelers help fund essential services in their communities.” Your trip will mattered. How special is that?!
-USA Travel Association

“You are helping #TravelForward”

“The travel industry fuels every industry—our industry’s success is the nation’s success,” said U.S. Travel Association President and CEO Geoff Freeman. “This week is a prime opportunity to elevate the message that travel is essential to moving America’s economy forward.”

National Travel and Tourism Week 2023 celebrates the industry’s critical role in powering
economies, communities and connections. By moving #TravelForward, we can demonstrate our
industry’s critical importance—in every corner of our country.

Our success is the nation’s success. We’ve made progress, but the sooner the travel industry returns to growth, the sooner America will as well. Let’s work together to make sure policymakers understand the value of our industry and partner with us to help move #TravelForward.

From The Grandad Bluffs to the great Mississippi River, the La Crosse Region’s tourism, promoted by Explore La Crosse, contributes so much to our local economy and the spirit of our community. From all of us at La Crosse County Conventions and Visitors Bureau, we are excited for all of the promising things ahead for the La Crosse Region and the U.S. travel industry.

The post Celebrate The 40th Year Anniversary of National Travel & Tourism Week appeared first on ExploreLaCrosse.

When you think about travel, what first comes to mind? Adventure or R&R? Flying or a road trip? Experiencing new cultures and sights or dancing the night away? Travel can be considered as a very personal thing. It is different for everyone; different goals, different bucket lists, different risks, different budgets. But if it is so personal, why celebrate it on a national level? Well, National Travel & Tourism Week (NTTW) was established as the annual salute to travel in America. We celebrate as communities nationwide unite to showcase travel’s contributions to the economy and American jobs. Here are a few reasons why National Travel & Tourism Week matters and how the #FutureOfTravel is here!

 “Travel Matters.”

While travel may seem frivolous or as a special occasion to the traveler, it still affects everyone. Communities benefit from the spirit of travel which spreads through small businesses, stunning landmarks, and hospitality for both residents and visitors. Specifically, travel influences American jobs, local and federal economic growth, and personal well-being. Think about your last trip, no matter how small. You needed gas and a place to sleep. You explored the town and bought a souvenir. You splurged at a restaurant and bought dessert. Maybe you ventured out into legendary nature or saw a local production in town. Every memory you made contributed to local jobs. All while you enjoyed adventure and invested in your well-being, you supplied the locals with jobs and income as well as invested in the community so it can flourish further. Your trip mattered. How special is that?!

“Tourism Matters to Wisconsin.”

“Prior to the pandemic, in 2019, the travel industry was a powerful economic engine, supporting jobs and driving local economies in every pocket of America. Travel generated $2.6 trillion in economic output, supported 17 million American jobs and delivered a $51 billion trade surplus to the U.S. While the industry was hit hard by the challenges of the past two years, we are recovering and positioning our industry for a return to growth. There is great optimism among American travelers to get back on the road and see our great country. We have overcome many obstacles, and the future is bright. That’s why here in the La Crosse Region and across America, we are using NTTW to recognize the contributions of the U.S. travel industry and how we will grow a more dynamic, innovative, sustainable and inclusive future. While the pandemic was a setback, it’s also an opportunity to reimagine the industry to be greater than ever before.”
-USA Travel Association

“You Are The #FutureOfTravel”

“The Future of Travel and the critical role our industry will play in rebuilding the workforce, helping communities recover, fostering sustainability, ushering in new innovations and reconnecting travelers in the U.S. and around the world.”

The #FutureOfTravel will help revive Wisconsin and the La Crosse Region and drive the entire nation forward to a more prosperous future. “The #FutureOfTravel is also inclusive, together we are celebrating one of our nation’s greatest strengths: the diversity of our people, places and POVs. Join thousands of travel and tourism professionals in celebrating what makes our industry so special and how together, we are building the #FutureOfTravel. Our industry is moving toward a future that is increasingly more sustainable, diverse, innovative and globally competitive.” -USA Travel Association

From The Grandad Bluffs to the great Mississippi River, the La Crosse Region’s tourism, promoted by Explore La Crosse, contributes so much to our local economy and the spirit of our community. From all of us at La Crosse County Conventions and Visitors Bureau, we are excited for all of the promising things ahead for the La Crosse Region and the U.S. travel industry.

The post You Are The #FutureOfTravel appeared first on ExploreLaCrosse.

Rain or Shine AND even snow! We’ve got some of the prettiest places to see in the La Crosse Region.

Grandad Bluff

Grandad Bluff has become not only a destination point for thousands but also a symbol of the beautiful Coulee Region. The 600-ft high bluff overlooks the city of La Crosse. The view of the Mississippi River Valley includes the three states of Wisconsin, Minnesota and Iowa. Wisconsin Trails readers voted this “the most scenic view in the state”. The park features a shelter house, coin-operated binoculars, picnic areas and is the site of the annual Skyrocker`s New Year`s Eve Fireworks Show.

Great River Landing

The Great River Landing in Onalaska, WI plays host to the trailhead of the Great River State Trail with showers and locker rooms for bicyclists enjoying the 101 miles of interconnecting state trails. During the winter months, users can enjoy hiking, snowshoeing, or cross country skiing. The landing also offers beautiful views of the surrounding area including Lake Onalaska.

Riverside Park

This monumental landmark park in La Crosse, Riverside Park, is the center of an active community located on the banks of the Mississippi River.  It rests at the confluence of three rivers and Riverside Park is designed for both active lifestyles and for those that want to just watch the river slowly pass by. Home of the delightful La Crosse Queen paddlewheel boat, visitors can take to the water and a Friday evening Pizza Cruise or a daily sight-seeing cruise on the La Crosse Queen.

At the north end of the park, guests can also enjoy strolling through the captivating Riverside International Friendship Gardens.

Historic Downtown

Much more than your ordinary, quaint small-town Main Street, historic downtown La Crosse, Wisconsin, has so much to offer: unique shopping opportunities, fine dining, great entertainment venues, and a vibrant nightlife. Spend your day browsing at some of the region’s finest specialty shops, get a bite at any of several fine-dining establishments, and relax beside the Mississippi at Riverside Park. Or just walk around and take in the sites of downtown’s historic architecture. It’s all here waiting for you.

Apple Blossom

Early to Mid-May is the peak season to experience the natural beauty of rolling hills covered in blossoming apple trees. Get excited for spring! Plan to bike or drive the 17-mile route before the season ends!  Ride along the bluff-top roads that overlook the Mississippi River and La Crosse, and descend into the Pine Creek Valley for your return trip back to La Crescent, Minnesota.

Upper Mississippi National Wildlife Refuge

The Upper Mississippi River National Wildlife and Fish Refuge have a Visitor Center on Brice Prairie with many displays and exhibits, a bookstore, and over two miles of trail through a renovated sand prairie. The refuge is 261 miles long, the longest in the nation, and one of the most visited. The Refuge has 96 miles of marked canoe trails. Including the Lake Onalaska Canoe Trail starting at Lytle’s Landing on Brice Praire and traveling through the backwaters to Lake Onalaska.

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