Wisconsin Department of Tourism says visitor spending up across state

MADISON (AP) — Wisconsin's Department of Tourism says every county in Wisconsin reported increased visitor spending in 2014. It's the first time in four years counties all reported an increase.

Travelers contributed $18.5 billion to Wisconsin's economy last year, up 5.5 percent from the year before, according to a state tourism report released Friday. Visitor growth topped 102 million in 2014, an increase of 7 million visits since 2010.

The department says improvements in the overall economy and lower gas prices prompted growth. The report also says per-trip spending increased as personal income and consumer confidence strengthened in 2014.

The department says direct visitor spending on food, lodging, transportation, entertainment and other services accounted for $11.4 billion, up 5.3 percent.