FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Sept. 4, 2024
MEDIA CONTACT
Jordan Jackovich
Communications Manager, Discover Downstate Illinois
Discover Downstate Illinois Area Tourism Contributes to Record Tourism Growth in Illinois
Discover Downstate Illinois generated 74.5 million in local tax revenue and 1.15 billion in visitor spending
Discover Downstate Illinois – announced today the area generated a local economic impact of $1.15 billion and contributed to an increase in visitor spending across Illinois in 2023. In addition, this boost in tourism contributed $74.5 million in local tax revenue while directly supporting 12,080 jobs in the tourism and hospitality industry, according to the latest data provided by Tourism Economics, a global tourism research firm, which measures the number of visitors as well as their impact on Illinois’ economy during the 2023 calendar year.
"Discover Downstate Illinois proudly announces a remarkable achievement in 2023—generating 1.15 billion in visitor spending and contributing $74.5 million in local tax revenue. These impressive figures not only highlight the vibrant allure of our region but also prove the vital role tourism plays in boosting the local economy," says Jordan Jackovich, Communications Manager. Sales and Marketing Director, Christine Orr, adds, "The substantial economic impact of these efforts highlights our commitment to promoting the unique attractions of Downstate Illinois, driving growth and prosperity across the region."
“President Darlene Chapman highlighted the substantial impact of the Enjoy Illinois 300 NASCAR Cup Series race, at World Wide Technology Raceway. 'World Wide Technology Raceway has truly become a key destination, drawing significant attention and visitors,' said Chapman. She also noted the contributions of other regional landmarks, such as the historic Vandalia State House and the unique attractions of Casey, Illinois, emphasizing their collective influence on bolstering tourism."
Governor JB Pritzker recently announced that Illinois reached its highest-ever hotel tax revenue figures in FY24 ($322 million) – a 4.5% increase over the previous record set in FY23. Illinois welcomed 112 million domestic and international visitors who spent $47 billion in 2023 – an increase of 1 million visitors and $3 billion in spending from 2022, according to data provided by Tourism Economics. Visitor spending in 2023 surpassed 2019 levels for the first time, reaching 4% above its pre-pandemic benchmark. As a result of tourist spending and visits in 2023, the overall economic impact – which includes indirect and induced impacts – amounted to $83 billion, which is a 6.4% increase from 2022 figures.
“Illinois continues to make substantial investments in the travel and tourism sector, leading to an increase in visitors who are spending more time in our state and supporting local businesses," said DCEO Director Kristin Richards. "We’re excited to continue this momentum and further enhance tourism in Illinois, building on this record-breaking success."
"Illinois' tourism is thriving, with another record-breaking year across key metrics such as the average length of stay, visitor spending, and overall growth," said Daniel Thomas, Deputy Director of the DCEO Office of Tourism. "Whether it's the vibrant energy of Chicago or the charm of our small towns, we've introduced new initiatives like LUXE By Illinois, which highlights luxury experiences and expanded our Outdoor experiences campaign, Real People, Real Stories, Real Outdoors, giving visitors even more compelling reasons to extend their stay and spend more.”
Economic Impact of Domestic Travel by County:
Bond
Travel expenditures – 20.3 million (-2.1% decrease)
Local tax revenue – $1.5 million
Clark
Travel expenditures – 24.0 (-1.5% decrease)
Local tax revenue – $1.5 million
Clay
Travel expenditures – 15.8 (-5.9% decrease)
Local tax revenue – $1.3 million
Clinton
Travel expenditures – 74.3 (2.8% increase)
Local tax revenue – $7.5 million
Coles
Travel expenditures – 89.1 (20.4% increase)
Local tax revenue – $4.4 million
Crawford
Travel expenditures – 28.9 (7.6% increase)
Local tax revenue – $2.2 million
Cumberland
Travel expenditures – 9.1 (4.7% increase)
Local tax revenue – $0.9 million
Edgar
Travel expenditures – 21.7 (2.4% increase)
Local tax revenue – $1.5 million
Edwards
Travel expenditures – 4.8 (2.6% increase)
Local tax revenue – $0.4 million
Fayette
Travel expenditures – 41.7 (-0.9% decrease)
Local tax revenue – $3.7 million
Hamilton
Travel expenditures – 8.3 (5.5% increase)
Local tax revenue – $1.3 million
Jasper
Travel expenditures – 12.2 (4.9% increase)
Local tax revenue – $1.2 million
Lawrence
Travel expenditures – 11.5 (1.4% increase)
Local tax revenue – $1.1 million
Marion
Travel expenditures – 53.0 (-0.3% decrease)
Local tax revenue – $3.4 million
Monroe
Travel expenditures – 26.1 (2.6% increase)
Local tax revenue – $2.4 million
Perry
Travel expenditures – 30.8 (8.8% increase)
Local tax revenue – $2.6 million
Randolph
Travel expenditures – 45.1 (4.4% increase)
Local tax revenue – $4.0 million
Richland
Travel expenditures – 26.1 (2.1% increase)
Local tax revenue – $2.1 million
St. Clair
Travel expenditures – 649.5 (0.2% increase)
Local tax revenue – $31.1 million
Wabash
Travel expenditures – 11.8 (-4.5% decrease)
Local tax revenue – $1.4 million
Washington
Travel expenditures – 21.9 (-0.8% decrease)
Local tax revenue – $2.0 million
Wayne
Travel expenditures – 14.2 (0.7% increase)
Local tax revenue – $1.1 million
White
Travel expenditures – 25.2 (2.7% increase)
Local tax revenue – $1.9 million
Fast Facts about Illinois Tourism in 2023
Annual economic impact data is provided by Tourism Economics and state hotel revenue collections are provided by the Illinois Department of Revenue. The hotel revenue figures represent all Illinois hotels, motels, and lodging establishment’s taxable revenue.
To learn more about Illinois and to plan an Illinois getaway, visit www.EnjoyIllinois.com.
About Discover Downstate Illinois:
Discover Downstate Illinois is geographically the largest Convention and Visitors Bureau in the state of Illinois and serves 21-counties as well as the City of Highland, Paris, Charleston, and Mattoon. There are over 900 annual events across their region. To learn more about Discover Downstate Illinois, visit https://www.downstateil.org/
About the Illinois Office of Tourism
The Illinois Office of Tourism leads tourism industry efforts to inspire visitation to, and within Illinois, resulting in significant economic impact and quality-of-life benefits for all Illinois residents. We are committed to making Illinois a model of inclusivity and celebration of diversity.
Illinois is a state that embodies innovation, craft, surprise and creativity. Whether domestic and international visitors are traveling for business or leisure, the Illinois Office of Tourism is their trusted guide in crafting an unforgettable experience.
To learn more, visit www.EnjoyIllinois.com.
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