For anyone who’s ever doubted the power of the internet in travel, there’s news from the state of Wisconsin to consider.
Travelers visited the state’s official tourism Web site in record numbers with a 24% increase last year.
Wisconsin drew close to four million users in 2005, up 600,000 from the previous year.
“The consistent growth in traffic to travelwisconsin.com confirms that the internet is how people today are looking for their travel information,” said Jim Holperin, the state’s tourism secretary.
He attributed the jump in users in large part to advertising on search engines such as Google and Yahoo to reach potential travelers that may not have seen print or broadcast advertising.
Enhanced content to the site also helped draw users. New features included a Global Positioning System (GPS) and a Virtual Wisconsin section.
Starting this year, the state is offering all its travel guides in an electronic format. Travelers can download and print them without waiting for mail.
First person “travelogues” written by individuals traveling around the state will also be added to the site this year.
Report by David Wilkening
