In a recent government meeting, officials highlighted significant strides in marketing efforts aimed at boosting tourism during the shoulder seasons—fall, winter, and spring. The focus on these off-peak periods comes as summer remains the most popular time for visitors.

The marketing strategy has yielded impressive results, particularly through the organization’s YouTube channel, which saw a remarkable 161% increase in viewership over the past 90 days. This surge is attributed to the release of member spotlight videos filmed during the summer, showcasing local resorts and businesses.

Additionally, the meeting discussed recent public relations efforts, including a feature by Northern News Now that spotlighted a vacation guide cover contest, which is currently in the deliberation phase for selecting a winner. The region also gained recognition from World Atlas, which listed nine towns in Wisconsin among the prettiest and most favored destinations in the U.S.

The meeting also touched on the positive impact of increased tourism on local lodging, with officials noting a busy summer season that is expected to reflect in upcoming room tax figures. Although the latest data only covers the second quarter, there is optimism for a notable increase in lodging revenue as more visitors are reported to be spending the night in the area.

In other developments, an update was provided on the regional economic development fund, which recently approved a loan for the Nature Calls RV Resort and Campground in Surry County, indicating ongoing investment in local tourism infrastructure.

Overall, the meeting underscored a proactive approach to enhancing the region's appeal beyond the summer months, with promising indicators of growth in tourism and economic development.