MANITOWOC – Tourism is a big deal in Manitowoc County, as seen by the money and effort poured into attracting tourists by local municipalities, and the Herald Times Reporter wants to know what you think those municipalities should focus on.
According to Travel Wisconsin, the state’s tourism department, tourism accounted for a $227 million economic impact for Manitowoc County in 2024. In 2023, Manitowoc County saw a $226 million economic impact from tourism.
Additionally, it is estimated that 1 in 21 jobs in Manitowoc County are in the tourism industry.
Manitowoc and Two Rivers both have their own tourism departments, Visit Manitowoc and Explore Two Rivers, respectively, and the Manitowoc Area Visitor and Convention Bureau promotes tourism for the whole county.
Recent tourism efforts include travel kiosks from Visit Manitowoc to help visitors plan excursions and see local landmarks; a joint visitor guide from Visit Manitowoc and Explore Two Rivers; new visitor information centers; and more.
As residents of Manitowoc County, or even those looking to spend time here, what do you think would attract more tourists to the area? What would you like to see municipalities spend their room tax revenue on? What have you seen in other cities that make you say “this is a great place to visit”? The Herald Times Reporter wants to know!
Send your thoughts in an email to me at aschafer@gannett.com. Include your first and last name and your city of residence, along with your thoughts. Your ideas may appear in an article about what readers think will attract tourists to Manitowoc County.
Alisa M. Schafer is a reporter for the Herald Times Reporter in Manitowoc. She can be reached by email at aschafer@gannett.com.
