Gov. Tony Evers’ administration sent out a report on Thursday projecting the Great Lakes cruise 2026 season to see over 170,000 visitors and inject $290 million into the regional economy, a 10% and 20% increase, respectively.
“Great Lakes cruising is vitally important to Wisconsin and the Great Lakes region. It’s a major economic driver and job creator for our port communities and the state,” Evers said in a statement. “I commend Cruise the Great Lakes for playing a key role in promoting the Great Lakes as a world-class destination.”
Cruise the Great Lakes is a regional cruise marketing program led by the Great Lakes St. Lawrence Governors and Premiers.
Wisconsin tourism saw a third consecutive record-breaking year in 2024. In 2024, the tourism industry generated a record-breaking $25.8 billion in economic activity.
Wisconsin is home to more than 800 miles of Great Lakes coastline, and more than 20% of the state’s land area lies within the Great Lakes basin.
