Video: Supper clubs, pets take center stage in new Wisconsin tourism campaign
MADISON -- The Wisconsin Department of Tourism unveiled a new marketing campaign on Monday, March 14th -- one that officials say puts a spotlight on Wisconsin’s playful side.
Two authentic experiences take center stage in the new campaign: supper clubs and family and pet travel.
Officials say the supper club commercial pays homage to this long-standing cultural icon and the fun that can be had when dining at one of the hundreds of supper clubs throughout the state. The spot was filmed at the Buckhorn Supper Club located on Lake Koshkonong in Milton. Buckhorn has been serving guests for more than 80 years. The Pope family has owned the supper club since 1997.
The message of the second Travel Wisconsin spot is pets are welcome with their families in Wisconsin. It follows a family and their two dogs playing on the shores of Lake Superior in Bayfield. The commercial features a cameo appearance from John Unger, who became an Internet sensation in 2012 when a touching photo of him holding his dog Schoep in Lake Superior went viral. Professional photographer Hannah Stonehouse Hudson captured and posted the image on Facebook, where it was seen by more than 10 million people and appeared in newspapers in nearly every country. Pet travel is increasing, and the commercial shows Wisconsin as a natural destination for this growing trend.
Tourism Secretary Stephanie Klett said the following in a statement:
"This new ad campaign takes the tourism brand of fun to a new level. Instead of using celebrities to star in our ads, we are making Wisconsin the star. I can think of no better way to encourage people to spend their vacation dollars in the state than by showing real people having fun experiences anyone can enjoy."