Tourism officials work to shine up Milwaukee's tarnished image in wake of unrest

MILWAUKEE -- Milwaukee's image is being tarnished by recent violence. Now, some tourists are hesitating before visiting the area.

More than 100,000 people attend Irish Fest on Milwaukee's lakefront every year. Many of those are from out-of-state. As crews put the finishing touches on food stands on Wednesday, August 17th, organizers are getting phone calls.

Irish Fest

"I think they're realizing that it's a big city. This event happened in an isolated area that's away from downtown and away from the grounds," said Brian Meehan of Irish Fest.

The festival has called visiting dignitaries and vendors to offer reassurances. So far, no one has canceled plans to attend. Irish Fest has also hired extra security.

Milwaukee Food Tours

"Just so that people see the presence and they feel more assured," Meehan said.

Milwaukee Food Tours also tells FOX6 News, it has receive many calls from people with concerns about safety. Again, there have been no cancellations.

First thing on Monday, VISIT Milwaukee will be calling its conference reservations and other visiting groups -- also to offer reassurances.

Paul Upchurch, President and CEO of VISIT Milwaukee

"It's business as usual and they should expect to have the same experiences they've had in the past," said Paul Upchurch, President and CEO of VISIT Milwaukee.

Still, the tourism group acknowledges there is no real way to measure the full impact recent violence has had on future visitors.

"We know these types of stories when people are making travel decision and making decisions where they can hold their meetings and events," Upchurch said. "These types of stories do make them think."