Gov. Evers Announces More Than $140 Million for Wisconsin’s Tourism and Entertainment Industries
Gov. Tony Evers today announced more than $140 million in grants to businesses and organizations that play an integral role in Wisconsin’s tourism and entertainment industries. The new grant programs will be invested in industries hit hard by the COVID-19 pandemic, including live event venues, movie theaters, summer camps, minor league sports, and the lodging industry. Additional investments will be made in reopening Wisconsin historical sites and marketing support for Wisconsin’s tourism industry.
“I’m grateful to Governor Evers for his dedication to tourism, one of Wisconsin’s largest industries,” said Department of Tourism Interim Secretary Anne Sayers. “From leisure travelers looking to reconnect with friends and family to business travelers attending meetings and conventions, these dollars will be crucial to help our industry bounce back. We can’t wait to help more travelers discover the unexpected in Wisconsin.”
The investments, which are being funded by the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021, include:
- $75 million for lodging grants;
- $11.25 million for movie theaters;
- $12 million for live event small businesses;
- $2.8 million for minor league sports teams;
- $10 million for live venues;
- $15 million for destination marketing organizations;
- $8 million for summer camps;
- $1 million for the Wisconsin Historical Society to assist in reopening historical sites; and
- $7.5 million to increase marketing support for Wisconsin’s tourism industry.
Individuals and businesses interested in receiving more information about the grants, including application, should sign up to receive alerts here.
