Lodges and Camping A sample of lodging establishments in seventeen counties of northern
Wisconsin were interviewed to understand the resort industry in the area. The
results lead to several challenges in the resort industry. Extension services
offering technical assistance and advice need to be aware of these challenges
for Northern Wisconsin resorts. The challenges include: low overall
profitability, investments in fixed assets, risky financing, and educational
opportunities. Gray, J., F. Li and S. Hamilton. 1990. Manitowoc-Two Rivers Visitor and
Lodging Study Books 1 and 2. Madison, WI: Recreation Resources Center,
University of Wisconsin-Extension. Part I of this report used a sampling of lodging registration cards to come
up with a visitor profile. Part II focused on interviews of visitors, owners
and operators in this area to gain an understanding of how visitors spent
their time, who they are, and how and where they spent money. On average,
visitors spent $184.34 per day. Boating parties spent the highest amount,
$1,211.54 per day while day trippers spent the least, $156.24 per day. Henderson, K. and D. Bialeschki. 1980. An Economic Analysis of Organized
Camps In Wisconsin. Madison, WI: Recreation Resources Center, University of
Wisconsin-Extension. This study conducted an analysis of the 300 organized camps in Wisconsin
through a mail survey. Close to a half million people stayed in camps during
1979 and contributed about $51 million to the state's economy. The local
impact of organized camps is estimated at $4.1 million in a county with 25
camps. $94,000 was spent per camp in the local community with the direct and
indirect value totaling $164,000. McEwen, D. 1989. National Economic Survey of Private Campgrounds.
Carbondale, IL: National Campground Owners Association and the Department of
Recreation. Private campgrounds throughout the U.S. were surveyed to gather information
about the industry. Income and expense data, camper types, camper
expenditures, upgrading and construction projections, and maintenance
equipment was some of the data collected. It provides campground owners with
the ability to compare themselves to the industry.
Lake State Examples -
Other Examples
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Lake States
Examples:
Hembd, J. and D. Berard. 1991. An
Organizational and Financial Analysis of the Northern Wisconsin Resort Industry.
Madison, WI: The Center for Community Economic Development, University of
Wisconsin-Extension.