MILWAUKEE (November 1, 2024) — Visit Milwaukee is thrilled to announce
it has reached a record 1,000 partner businesses that contribute to
Milwaukee’s robust and dynamic tourism landscape. This milestone
highlights the vibrant network of local businesses, attractions, and
community organizations that work in collaboration with Visit Milwaukee
to showcase the diverse experiences Milwaukee offers.
“Reaching 1,000 partner businesses is a testament to the thriving
tourism industry we’re building together here in Milwaukee,” said
Peggy Williams-Smith, president and CEO of Visit Milwaukee. “Our
partners are at the heart of what makes Milwaukee an incredible place to
visit, and we are deeply grateful for their role in transforming
Milwaukee into a world-class destination. I’m also grateful for our
partnership team led by Bryan Kubel and Maria Strand, who work to bring
on new partners and then make sure that we’re connecting those
businesses with the $231 million in direct visitor spending in Milwaukee
County each year.”
In recent years, Visit Milwaukee has significantly diversified its
partnership base to better reflect the community it represents. Today,
over 31% of its business partners are minority, LGBTQ+, veteran, or
women-owned. It also partners regularly with local business and
neighborhood improvement districts, as well as business chambers, who
help the destination marketing organization better market the Greater
Milwaukee area’s commercial areas. Corporate partners have also
supported Visit Milwaukee in record numbers in 2024; Visit Milwaukee now
boasts 29 corporate partners, like Boelter Companies, Carma
Laboratories, Hackbarth Hospitality Group, Meetings & Incentives
Worldwide and Pabst Theater Group, representing a 26% increase year over
year.
As a reflection of its growing reach, Visit Milwaukee is excited to
announce a new partnership with Discover the North Shore [3], a
collaboration that will support select marketing initiatives for the
North Shore area, opening new avenues for mutual growth.
Through this agreement, Visit Milwaukee will develop and execute
marketing campaigns to showcase promote Bayside, Brown Deer, Fox Point,
Glendale, River Hills, Shorewood and Whitefish Bay’s attractions,
events, and local businesses, further expanding the tourism offerings in
the region and strengthening the North Shore’s appeal.
“Collaborating with Discover the North Shore is a thrilling
opportunity that underscores our commitment to regional growth,” said
Williams-Smith. “By promoting the North Shore and its unique
offerings, we’re not only enhancing Milwaukee’s tourism footprint
but also celebrating the distinct character of our neighboring
communities.”
“We’re thrilled to be partnering with Visit Milwaukee to further
elevate tourism in Milwaukee’s North Shore,” said Becca Garrison,
Executive Director of Discover the North Shore Milwaukee. “This
collaboration allows us to showcase the unique offerings of our
communities while creating even more memorable experiences for visitors.
Together, we’re building on a foundation of innovation, community
pride, and commitment to making Milwaukee’s North Shore a top
destination.”
The newly expanded partnership aligns with Visit Milwaukee’s mission
to drive economic growth and build connections across the Greater
Milwaukee area, fostering a cohesive and thriving community for
residents and visitors alike. This milestone and new partnership reflect
Visit Milwaukee’s dedication to fostering a united front in regional
tourism development, further positioning Milwaukee as a standout
destination for travelers.
In addition to Discover the North Shore, Visit Milwaukee maintains a
successful partnership with the City of Wauwatosa and Discover
Wauwatosa, [4] which is led by Beth Gleesing. Through its partnership
with Wauwatosa, Visit Milwaukee conducts Wauwatosa-specific campaigns
across social, print and digital platforms to promote the
municipality’s dynamic outdoor recreation offerings, its
family-friendly event programming like Art 64 and the Wauwatosa Holiday
Market, and its diverse array of top-notch dining experiences.
About Visit Milwaukee
Visit Milwaukee creates economic impact and supports a stronger, more
inclusive community by promoting the Greater Milwaukee area as a premier
tourism destination. Strengthened by Visit Milwaukee’s dynamic
convention and leisure marketing initiatives, tourism to Milwaukee
contributes $6.388 billion to the local economy, supporting nearly
44,000 hospitality employees. Visit Milwaukee has over 1,000 members,
including hotels/motels, restaurants, attractions, services, and area
businesses. The Wisconsin Center District, with its recently completed
$456 million Baird Center expansion, the city of Wauwatosa, Discover the
North Shore and Potawatomi Casino | Hotel are strategic partners with
Visit Milwaukee, providing funding support for conventions and tourism
programs. For more information call (800) 554-1448 or visit
visitmilwaukee.org [5].
