Discover Downstate Illinois announced today the area generated a local economic impact of $1.14 billion and contributed to an increase in visitor spending across Illinois in 2022. In addition, this boost in tourism contributed $71.8 million in local tax revenue while directly supporting 11,948 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 2022 calendar year.
“We are excited to see visitor growth trending upwards. Tourism locals have made quite an impact on Central and Southern Illinois by bringing new events and businesses to our 21-county region,” says Communications Manager Jordan Jackovich.
“The impact from the Enjoy Illinois 300 NASCAR Cup Series race, which debuted at World Wide Technology Raceway June 3-5, 2022, is huge. We look forward to seeing the benefits it will continue to have on the tourism industry,” says President Darlene Chapman.
Last month, Governor JB Pritzker announced that Illinois reached its highest-ever hotel revenue figures in FY23 ($308 million) – surpassing the pre-pandemic record in FY19. Illinois welcomed 111 million visitors last year, representing 14 million additional travelers over 2021. In addition, visitor spending surged to $44 billion in 2022 – $12 billion over calendar year 2021 and 97% of record 2019 levels. As a result of tourist spending and visits in 2022, the overall economic impact – which includes indirect and induced impacts – amounted to a staggering $78 billion, a 30% increase from 2021 figures ($60 billion).
“Tourism is a key economic driver for our state, contributing to the growth of small businesses while generating jobs for our local communities,” said Kristin Richards, Director of the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity. “Illinois has made unprecedented investments in travel and tourism, and we’re excited to build upon this record-breaking progress as we continue to promote Illinois and support the industry.”
“From iconic road trips and scenic drives to family-friendly attractions, thrilling outdoor adventures and picturesque state parks, Illinois is full of extraordinary and diverse experiences that attract visitors from around the world,” said Daniel Thomas, Deputy Director of the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity, Office of Tourism. “Our state’s award-winning tourism campaign, “Middle of Everything,” launched in 2022, has resulted in an enormous return on investment with every $1 spent on the campaign generating $10 in state and local tax revenue.”
Economic Impact of Domestic Travel by County:
Bond
Travel expenditures – $20.7 million (4.4% increase)
Local tax revenue – $1.4 million
Clark
Travel expenditures – $24.3 million (12.4% increase)
Local tax revenue – $1.5 million
Clay
Travel expenditures – $16.8 million (22% increase)
Local tax revenue – $1.3 million
Clinton
Travel expenditures – $72.3 million (4.4% increase)
Local tax revenue – $7.2 million
Crawford
Travel expenditures – $26.8 million (14.9% increase)
Local tax revenue – $2.1 million
Cumberland
Travel expenditures – $8.7 million (16.4% increase)
Local tax revenue – $0.9 million
Edgar
Travel expenditures – $21.2 million (19.1% increase)
Local tax revenue – $1.5 million
Edwards
Travel expenditures – $4.7 million (8.9% increase)
Local tax revenue – $0.4 million
Fayette
Travel expenditures – $42.1 million (17.8% increase)
Local tax revenue – $3.6 million
Hamilton
Travel expenditures – $7.8 million (13.2% increase)
Local tax revenue – $1.2 million
Jasper
Travel expenditures – $11.6 million (11.8% increase)
Local tax revenue – $1.2million
Lawrence
Travel expenditures – $11.4 million (2.3% decrease)
Local tax revenue – $1.0 million
Marion
Travel expenditures – $53.2 million (17.2% increase)
Local tax revenue – $3.3 million
Monroe
Travel expenditures – $25.5 million (27.6% increase)
Local tax revenue – $2.3 million
Perry
Travel expenditures – $28.3 million (12.8% increase)
Local tax revenue – $2.5 million
Randolph
Travel expenditures – $43.2 million (14.3% increase)
Local tax revenue – $3.8 million
Richland
Travel expenditures – $25.5 million (13.4% increase)
Local tax revenue – $2.0 million
St. Clair
Travel expenditures – $648.4 million (23% increase)
Local tax revenue – $29.8 million
Wabash
Travel expenditures – $12.3 million (10.1% increase)
Local tax revenue – $1.4 million
Washington
Travel expenditures – $22.1x million (3.2% decrease)
Local tax revenue – $2.0 million
Wayne
Travel expenditures – $14.1 million (43.4% increase)
Local tax revenue – $1.1 million
White
Travel expenditures – $24.6 million (11.6% decrease)
Local tax revenue – $1.8 million
Fast Facts about Illinois Tourism in 2022
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 and Paris. 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 Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity, Office of Tourism manages industry efforts that result in sustainable and significant economic and quality-of-life benefits for Illinois residents.
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