Tourism operators in Wisconsin's Northwoods are asking the state for help, saying a delayed start to winter is hurting revenue.
Forest, Iron, Langlade, Lincoln, Oneida, Price and Vilas counties receive enough snow in December and January to open snowmobile and ski trails, according to a coalition of businesses in the area. It is estimated that losses of approximately $6.5 million have been incurred so far. .
Let's Minocqua Tourism/Oneida Tourism Council said in a news release that businesses have reported losses of about 75% year-over-year during the first few months of winter, and many have closed.
Companies have met with state elected officials about securing state or federal funding to mitigate losses.
“We need relief for the small businesses that support our economy,” Crystal Westphal, president and CEO of Let's Minocqua Tourism, said in a news release.
Meteorologists attribute this year's record-warm winter in Wisconsin to El Niño, short-term weather patterns and the long-term effects of climate change.
Westphal said she's hopeful that state officials can come up with some assistance, given the forecast doesn't bring much cold or snow.
In 2022, tourism accounted for more than 6,000 jobs and millions of dollars in spending in seven Northwoods counties.
“Tourist spending is extremely important to the economy here,” Westphal said.
