MADISON — Tourism spending increased more than 7 percent last year, the biggest spike since 2000, according to a state Department of Tourism study released today.

``Wisconsin communities are being rewarded for their hard work, hospitality, stewardship and innovative development,'' Tourism Secretary Kelli A. Trumble said in a statement. ``We know this to be true because our travelers are telling us that blend of tradition and newness is appealing to them.''
The tourism department attributes the $875 million growth in 2006 to an increase in state marketing funds. In the 2005-2007 biennial budget, Gov. Jim Doyle and lawmakers gave the Department of Tourism's $3.8 million extra for marketing.

Most of Wisconsin's counties posted growth in traveler spending, an overall increase of 7.3 percent from 2005 to $12.8 billion.

Milwaukee County had the most tourism spending with $1.6 billion, up 7.6 percent over 2005. Dane and Sauk counties rounded out the top three.

Wisconsin travelers spent the most on shopping, dropping $4 billion dollars, followed by $3.3 billion on food, nearly $3 billion on recreation and entertainment, and $1.6 billion on lodging.

The study also said 43 percent of leisure travelers come from out of state. More than 25 percent of those out-of-state travelers come from Illinois and Minnesota.

Wisconsin's tourism industry spending has grown 123 percent from 1994 to 2006, the department said.

The annual industry survey was conducted by Davidson-Peterson Associates, Inc.

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