Chippewa Valley expands tourism capacity

Friday, May 20, 2016
Jessica Bringe | WEAU

EAU CLAIRE, Wis. (WEAU) -- If you're feeling like a staycation is in order a new hotel in Eau Claire is now welcoming guests.

The new Fairfield Marriott Inn & Suites off Highway 53 is joining a growing number of tourism building resorts.

In the past five years, Visit Eau Claire says the area has seen the addition of eight new hotels.

It's an increase that's helping promote tourism and boost the economy.

Economic development director Mike Schatz says private developers are advancing the area's economy.

"I think it's a good thing when you have competition and you have hotels strategically located throughout the city," said Schatz. "I think it's a plus. It means you have somewhere new and fresh for people to stay at."

Downtown Eau Claire is now boasting The Lismore, and at the same time, Altoona's River Prairie
Development is constructing a new 90,000 square-foot hotel.

Schatz said, "Some of the owners look like they're trying to capture people that are bypassing Eau Claire, others are trying to capture the business that's coming into Eau Claire for music festivals and conferences."

The new Marriott Inn & suites is trying to catch both.

"There are festivals, there are many companies looking for rooms in the Eau Claire market and I think all hotels in the Eau Claire market will do well," said general manager Chuck Langland.

Langland says he views the increased traffic through Eau Claire as a great opportunity, and a good sign.

"New companies are confident in the Eau Claire market and what it has to offer," said Langland.

Visit Eau Claire says that confidence is reflected in the tourism economy. It reported $216-million in tourism spending last year.

"It's the biggest that we've seen and the strongest so adding 365 rooms to our market this year is a big deal, including the Marriott with the 90 rooms," said sales manager Stephanie Herbert.

With the rise in rooms, Visit Eau Claire is also collecting an increase in room taxes, which cycles right back into the area.

"It allows for us to continue to attract all the unique events that make Eau Claire a wonderful destination to promote," said Herbert.

The Lismore in downtown Eau Claire has already opened but construction on the Altoona's River Prairie Development is expected to be completed later this summer.

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