Monona Tourism Office Shifts Focus to Year-Round Campaigns and Community Engagement

The Monona Tourism Commission meeting held on July 17, 2025, focused on enhancing tourism strategies and promoting local attractions. Key discussions included the allocation of funds for a media campaign aimed at increasing visibility for Monona's community festivals and outdoor activities.

A significant portion of the budget is dedicated to targeted advertising through platforms like Bridal Wisconsin and iHeartMedia, alongside social media initiatives. The commission emphasized a shift from event-centric promotions to broader year-round campaigns that highlight Monona's bike trails and lakes. Plans for the fall include creating travel itineraries that connect Monona to regional trails, encouraging visitors to explore the area by bike.

The commission is also working on producing drone footage to showcase the scenic lakes and outdoor activities, which will be available for promotional use. Data presented during the meeting revealed that a notable number of visitors to Monona are from Chicago, prompting plans to further market to this demographic.

While the commission did not secure a bass fishing tournament for the upcoming year, discussions are underway to host a qualifying round for an ice fishing tournament in January, with support from Destination Madison. The commission is also collaborating with local hotels to create appealing package deals for visitors attending events in Monona.

In addition to promotional efforts, the commission is analyzing visitor data to better understand tourism patterns and improve marketing strategies. The meeting concluded with a commitment to enhance Monona's appeal as a destination, encouraging visitors to stay in the city rather than neighboring Madison. Overall, the commission's initiatives aim to boost local tourism and foster community engagement through various events and activities.