Some RNC delegates staying in Lake Geneva; hospitality groups expect typical tourism numbers

 

MILWAUKEE (CBS 58) – The city of Milwaukee will be busy during the Republican National Convention, and some other Wisconsin destinations are expecting fresh eyes on their towns as well.

About an hour south of the main convention, Lake Geneva will be a secondary hub for the RNC, with some delegates taking advantage of the popular summer destination.

"There are people from all over this great nation that are going to experience the charm and the history that is Lake Geneva," said Stephanie Klett, president and CEO of Visit Lake Geneva.

Several delegates will stay in Lake Geneva hotels during the RNC.

"They're coming here for breakfast and meetings before they head off to Milwaukee," said Skip Harless, managing director of Grand Geneva Resort.

Two events on the RNC calendar take place in Lake Geneva: one on Monday morning for the New Hampshire GOP at Timber Ridge Lodge, and a multi-state program Tuesday morning at Grand Geneva Forum.

"We'll have lots of places for them to eat, we'll have our bars open late, just make sure we're as hospitable as we can be during those off hours before and after the convention," Harless explained.

Lake Geneva Cruise Lines has special rides planned for RNC visitors, and dinners are planned in the area.

"We don't expect so much the economic impact to change a lot, but what is changing are really unique, tailored experiences," Klett said.

July is always a busy month in the resort city, so the hospitality industry is not expecting anything out of the ordinary.

"This is peak time for us, and it's just a little bit of a different audience, but we're still in high gear," Harless said.

Klett believes Lake Geneva gives delegates a chance to experience the "best of both worlds" in Wisconsin.

"A lot are flying into Milwaukee or Chicago, and if they're coming through Chicago, a lot stay at that mid-way point, which is us," she said.

Klett said any additional economic impact to Lake Geneva during the convention likely won't be clear for a few months.