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Visit Milwaukee recently celebrated a historic year at its annual meeting, marking another record-breaking period for the city’s tourism industry. The event showcased several exciting new projects and developments poised to propel the city forward in 2024. Key announcements included the launch of a new merchandise line, a reimagined Sports Milwaukee logo, and awards recognizing Milwaukeeans who have made significant contributions to the community.
New Merch Line Launch
Visit Milwaukee has introduced a line of branded merchandise in partnership with Reyes Retail. This new collection, featuring stylish hats, T-shirts, and sweatshirts, aims to position Milwaukee as a lifestyle brand, enhancing visitor affinity and local pride.
Sports Milwaukee Rebrands with New Logo
Sports Milwaukee, the sports division of Visit Milwaukee, unveiled its new logo, marking a fresh era for the organization. The rebrand aligns with the overall Visit Milwaukee brand, featuring a cohesive design that highlights the seamless experience Sports Milwaukee offers to event planners. The division also announced the launch of the “3on3 Fast Break” newsletter, delivering the latest sports news and updates directly to subscribers.
Tourism’s Economic Impact
The annual meeting celebrated the substantial economic impact of tourism in Milwaukee. According to the Wisconsin Department of Tourism, the Greater Milwaukee area set a new spending record with an economic impact of over $6.3 billion in 2023, an increase of $358 million from the previous year. Milwaukee County alone saw direct visitor spending grow by 6.4%, contributing $2.342 billion to the local economy and generating over $231 million in state and local taxes. Tourism supported over 27,000 jobs and had a total economic impact of $4.1 billion in Milwaukee County.
Community Awards
Visit Milwaukee honored individuals and organizations making significant contributions to the city’s hospitality and tourism industry.
DearMKE Award: Presented to Dan Jacobs of DanDan and EsterEv, recognizing his efforts to showcase Milwaukee’s dining scene on the national stage through his appearance on Bravo’s “Top Chef: Wisconsin.”
Milwaukee Magnet Award: Awarded to Baird Center and Potawatomi Casino | Hotel for their substantial economic investments. Baird Center’s $456 million expansion and Potawatomi Casino’s $190 million project, including Milwaukee’s first Sportsbook, have significantly enhanced the city’s appeal as a top destination.
Joe Bartolotta Hospitality Award: Given to Paul Bartolotta of Bartolotta Restaurants and Theresa Nemetz of Milwaukee Food & City Tours for their dedication to uplifting the community and promoting Milwaukee’s culinary scene.
The Heart of Milwaukee Award: Presented to Hyatt Regency bellman JR Tate, recognizing his 43 years of exceptional service and his role as an invaluable ambassador for Milwaukee.
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