The Springfield Convention & Visitors Bureau has revealed that tourism in the area had a substantial impact on Illinois' economy in 2022. According to data from Tourism Economics, a global tourism research firm, the local economic impact of tourism reached an impressive $536.8 million. This surge in tourism not only benefited local businesses but also contributed significantly to the state's economy.
Tourism brought in $17.2 million in local tax revenue, supporting 4,700 jobs in the tourism and hospitality sector. Governor JB Pritzker recently announced that Illinois achieved its highest-ever hotel revenue figures in FY23, surpassing pre-pandemic records. The state welcomed a staggering 111 million visitors in 2022, a 14 million increase from the previous year. Visitor spending also skyrocketed to $44 billion, a $12 billion increase from 2021, reaching 97% of the record 2019 levels.
Kristin Richards, Director of the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity, emphasized the importance of tourism as a key economic driver, supporting local businesses and communities. The state's tourism campaign, "Middle of Everything," launched in 2022, proved highly successful, with every $1 spent generating $10 in state and local tax revenue.
With such promising numbers, Illinois officials say it’s poised to continue its record-breaking progress in the tourism industry.
Economic Impact of Domestic Travel by County:
Sangamon County
Travel expenditures – $536.8 million (33.3% increase compared to 2021)
Local tax revenue – $17.2 million (37% increase compared to 2021)
Fast Facts about Illinois Tourism in 2022
Illinois welcomed 111 million visitors in 2022, an increase of 14 million travelers from 2021
Visitor spending resulted in $44 billion in 2022, an increase of $12 billion from 2021
State and local tax revenue from visitor spending generated $4.3 billion
Visitor spending supported 270,600 tourism-related jobs, an increase of 38,300 jobs from 2021
Illinois reached its highest ever hotel tax revenue in FY23, $308 million