Willkommen, Bienvenue, Bienvenidos! In an effort to reach out to foreign visitors and increase Milwaukee’s international exposure, VISIT Milwaukee has launched a “bucket list” of the area’s major attractions in ten languages on its website.

The languages – German, Spanish, French, Canadian French, Brazilian Portuguese, Italian, Chinese, Japanese, Russian, and Polish – were selected based on recent experience with international visitors and foreign press, taking local resident ethnic groups into consideration, and projecting ahead to expanded tourism from countries like China.

“The city’s strong ethnic heritage, increased international business, and world famous attractions such as the Harley-Davidson Museum and Milwaukee Art Museum are bringing in growing numbers of people from around the world. In just the last two years, VISIT Milwaukee has hosted 22 foreign travel journalists and recorded 53 stories in international media,” said Paul Upchurch, President & CEO of VISIT Milwaukee.

This is just the initial phase of a larger, comprehensive marketing and sales initiative to drive international business and leisure travel to Milwaukee. Future plans include further customization of online information provided to the ten language groups, along with marketing materials and printed collateral, making VISIT Milwaukee a resource of international information for local residents, businesses and organizations.

“Milwaukee’s international reputation is growing, both as a leisure destination on beautiful Lake Michigan and as home to major international corporations.  Although many visitors have a general knowledge of English, they appreciate a city that goes the extra mile to welcome them in their own language. We want to ensure that their visit is a great one,” said Upchurch.

See the new, mobile-friendly website feature here:  http://www.visitmilwaukee.org/international