Wausau room-tax commission approves multiple tourism grants, including Taste & Glow and Hmong Festival

The Wausau Room Tax Commission on April 28 approved funding requests for five visitor events and heard an update from the Convention & Visitors Bureau on travel trends.

Tim White, Director of the Convention and Visitors Bureau, told commissioners that national research from MMGY and Oxford Economics shows growing economic uncertainty that is changing travel behavior. "They expect a 4% decline in travel intentions," White said, adding that many travelers will choose trips closer to home, opt to drive instead of fly and shorten stays. White said the bureau will promote value-driven, nearby travel with a campaign called "Escape to Wausau" and work with lodging partners on midweek packages.

The commission’s finance staff reported estimated 2025 room-tax revenue of $1,050,000 and a current estimated carryover of about $169,000. Staff said 25 events were committed in 2024 that carry funding into 2025; after funding the applications before the commission the estimated available balance would be about $42,500, subject to…