SEPTEMBER 2025
Tourism News & Insights Why Tourism Matters: Fueling Small Business and Community Life By Julie Gilbert President/CEO
When people think of Door County, they often picture our natural beauty: the shoreline, the parks, the sunsets. But just as important are the people, businesses and organizations that bring this place to life. It’s our small businesses, family-owned restaurants, local shops, galleries, outfitters, arts and humanities organizations, and lodging properties that capture the true essence of Door County. And behind all of those places are neighbors, friends, and community members who depend and rely on a healthy visitor economy. Tourism is often thought of as something that benefits visitors, but the truth is, it’s our residents and small businesses who feel its impact most directly. Each year, visitors choose Door County for their vacations and weekend getaways. Their spending at restaurants, retail stores, attractions and accommodations puts dollars directly into the hands of our small business owners. Those dollars don’t stop there. They ripple through the local economy. A visitor who buys breakfast at a diner is also supporting the local farmers who provide the eggs and produce, the distributors who deliver supplies, and the employees who earn wages and then spend them at grocery stores, gas stations, and other local businesses. In fact, studies show that tourism spending in Door County supports thousands of jobs across a wide variety of sectors, not just in hospitality. Tourism is one of the reasons why we have such a diverse mix of small businesses and organizations for a county with a yearround population our size. For many small businesses, the visitor economy is what makes their business model possible. A boutique shop or a kayak rental company might not survive on local demand alone, but with the addition of visitor spending, they can thrive. That, in turn, gives residents more choices and more vibrancy in our communities. Tourism also creates opportunities for entrepreneurs to take risks and start new ventures. We’ve seen countless examples of people turning their passions into
businesses, from artisans opening galleries to chefs launching restaurants, because they know visitors will help sustain them. The impact of tourism reaches far beyond the businesses themselves. A healthy visitor economy helps keep our taxes lower, as room tax revenue, premier resort area taxes and visitor spending contribute to services, infrastructure, and community projects that benefit everyone. Whether it’s improved parks, better roads, or grant programs that support local initiatives, residents are sharing in the benefits of a thriving tourism industry. There’s also a cultural impact. Tourism supports events, festivals, and attractions that we as residents enjoy just as much as visitors do. Without the additional demand from visitors, many of these experiences simply wouldn’t be possible at the scale or quality we enjoy today. Of course, with these benefits comes the responsibility of ensuring that tourism is managed in a way that protects our quality of life and preserves what makes Door County special. That’s why Destination Door County has embraced a destination stewardship approach, working not just to promote the county to visitors, but also to invest in community well-being, sustainability, and balance. Through initiatives like the Community Investment Fund and stewardship programs, we are reinvesting tourism dollars into projects that make Door County better for residents and visitors alike. This ensures that while tourism fuels our economy, it also strengthens our communities for the long term. Tourism is not just about attracting visitors; it’s about sustaining the businesses that define who we are. It’s about helping the next generation of entrepreneurs open their doors, supporting the employees who live and raise families here, and keeping our communities vibrant year-round. As you walk through town, enjoy a meal, or shop at a local business, remember that tourism plays a key role in making those experiences possible. Our small businesses are the fabric of Door County, and tourism helps keep that fabric strong. Together, by supporting both our residents and our visitors, we can ensure Door County continues to be a place where small businesses thrive, communities flourish, and the natural beauty we cherish is preserved for generations to come.
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Destination Door County’s Mission Statement To inspire travel that drives community enhancement. Through innovation and partnerships, we will share stories of Door County’s people and places, deliver world-class experiences, strengthen the industry, work to ensure all travelers feel welcome, and preserve Door County’s way of life and its natural resources.
What’s Inside Cherry Pie 02 AChristmas
Set to Debut this Fall
Volunteer Models: 02 Calling Be Part of Door County’s Story!
the Door County 02 Discover Heritage Trail Door 03 Keeping County Hydrated
and Sustainable: A Community Effort in Action
Up For Our State 03 Step Parks: Your Gift Matched Dollar for Dollar
Excited for 03 DDC Upcoming Accessibility Assessment Process
Completes Welcome 04 DDC Center Upgrades DDC’s New 04 Meet Marketing & Sales
Destination Door County Reaches Milestone with 50+ Projects Funded Across the County through Community Investment Fund Destination Door County (DDC) is excited to announced that 53 local community projects have now been funded through the destination organization’s Community Investment Fund grant program. A total of $400,000 has been awarded to six local projects in the latest round of Community Investment Fund grant awards. Recipients include three local municipalities and three local non-profit organizations, with project investments ranging from $50,000 to $100,000. All awarded projects must meet specific requirements to qualify for funding. The dollars DDC uses for this program are generated from room taxes that overnight visitors to the county pay and that DDC receives as part of their agreement with the Door County Tourism Zone Commission. Wisconsin state statute
dictates the use of those dollars. “When visitors come to enjoy Door County, their overnight stay is more than a visit, it’s a cycle of giving,” according to Julie Gilbert, President & CEO of Destination Door County. “Through this program we’re helping fund many amazing projects that improve our community for residents, while also enhancing the visitor experience here,” she said. The projects that were awarded funding in the program’s tenth grant cycle include: Village of Ephraim was awarded $100,000 to help restore the Anderson Dock Historic Site, preserving a cherished Door County landmark for both visitors and residents alike. Bradley Jordan Foundation was awarded $100,000 to help build the first-ever gym at Washington Island School
for visitors and residents, featuring public pickleball courts, a walking track, and space for destination and community events. Sister Bay Historical Society was awarded $50,000 to enhance infrastructure and accessibility at the Corner of the Past, home to the beloved annual Christkindlmarkt. The Ridges Sanctuary was awarded $50,000 to construct all-season restrooms on its North Campus, supporting yearround trail use for winter hiking, snowshoeing, and nature immersion. Town of Washington was awarded $50,000 to ensure the Washington Island Recreation Center swimming pool continues to serve current and future Washington Island visitors and residents for recreation and wellness. Village of Sister Bay was awarded $50,000 to continued on page 2
Assistant
Door County 04 Destination Staff Directory
2025-26 WINTER GUIDE AVAILABLE SOON Door County’s official Winter Guide will soon be available throughout Door County! Find it at businesses and information centers beginning late September. It is a great tool for planning a day, a weekend, or a week in Door County during the cozy winter months. A digital version of the Winter Guide will also be available at DoorCounty.com.