Illinois Tourism Announces Record Growth

An additional 1.6 million travelers visited Illinois in 2017, bringing an increase in visitor spending, tax revenue and local jobs

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (May 15, 2018) – Visitors to Illinois hit an all-time high in 2017, Gov. Bruce Rauner announced today. Nearly 114 million people traveled to the state last year to “Enjoy Illinois,” giving a $1.1 billion boost to the state’s economy. 

2017 visitor totals were 1.4% higher than 2016, which also was a record year. Travelers came to Illinois from all over the world for business (17%) and pleasure (83%). In the past 10 years, travelers visiting Illinois increased by more than 22 million, and tourism has become one of the state’s most important industries. The Illinois tourism industry supported 337,100 jobs in 2017, an increase of 20,200 jobs since 2015.  

Visitors spent a whopping $39.7 billion in Illinois in 2017, according to the U.S. Travel Association. That’s an increase of $1.3 billion or 3.5 percent from 2016. International visitor spending alone reached nearly $3.4 billion, an increase of 5.2% in 2017. Visitor spending generated more than $3 billion in state and local tax revenue, up $75 million from 2016. Tourist spending saves the average Illinois household over $1,300 in taxes each year.

“Tourism is a critical part of our economy,” Rauner said. “There is so much to see and do in our state. It is gratifying to know that so many people come here each year to experience what we have to offer. My hat is off to DCEO and the Department of Tourism for getting the word out with the “Up for Amazing” campaign. It is paying off smartly for our businesses and our tax rolls.” 

Illinois Office of Tourism Director, Cory Jobe credits the record numbers to several successful integrated marketing campaigns including Illinois Tourism’s “Up for Amazing” advertising campaign that launched in March 2017 targeting 14 domestic and five international markets. 

“The spring/summer campaign was extremely successful with every dollar invested delivering nearly $9 in economic impact for our state,” said Jobe. 

Additional marketing campaigns focused on fall travel, promoting the Illinois Made program and attracting more LGBTQ travelers to the state. “By promoting authentic experiences across the state, we drive visitors deeper into Illinois, increasing visitor spending and generating more tax revenue for our communities,” added Jobe.  

New attractions help boost interest in traveling to Illinois. The recently opened Frank Lloyd Wright Trail is sure to attract crowds and this summer the Illinois Governor’s Mansion will re-open with a new focus on Illinois and history. The new venues will enhance the state’s tourism portfolio.  

Illinois Made, launched in 2016, spotlights the people, products and experiences unique to Illinois, inspiring travelers to explore off the beaten path destinations around the state. To learn more about Illinois Made and view video content and featured makers, visit EnjoyIllinois.com/IllinoisMade.

Illinois Tourism’s LGBTQ “Amazing for All” digital campaign features the places and people that make Illinois amazing. To learn more about ‘Amazing for All’ visit EnjoyIllinois.com/AmazingforAll.

Illinois Office of Tourism receives domestic visitor numbers from DK Shifflet and international visitor numbers from Tourism Economics.  Visitor expenditures, tax revenue and jobs numbers come from U.S. Travel Association.

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