Illinois Tourism Hit All-Time High In 2017

ACROSS ILLINOIS — The Illinois economy got a nice boost thanks to tourists in 2017. The Illinois Office of Tourism said Gov. Bruce Rauner announced Wednesday that the state's economy took in $1.1 billion thanks to nearly 114 million people traveling to Illinois last year. It was a record year for visitor numbers, with totals 1.4 percent higher than 2016, the Illinois Office of Tourism says.

According to a release, the Illinois tourism industry supported 335,500 jobs in 2017, an increase of 18,600 jobs since 2015.

“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 (the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity) 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.”

Other local tourism statistics, the Illinois Office of Tourism:

• 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.
• Visitors spent $39.5 billion in Illinois in 2017, according to the U.S. Travel Association, which is a 3 percent increase from 2016.
• 17 percent of last year's travelers came for business and 83 percent for pleasure.
• Visitor outlays for goods and services generated $2.95 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.

New attractions and campaigns are being credited for the state's record numbers in 2017, including Illinois Tourism’s “Up for Amazing” advertising campaign that launched in March 2017 targeting 14 domestic and five international markets.

More details can be found through the Enjoy Illinois website.

Looking to plan a getaway in Illinois? Here are some of the top tourist attractions in the state, according to Tripadvisor:

• Chicago Architectural River Cruise
• Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum, Springfield
• Chicago Prohibition Tour
• Chicago Crime & Mob Tours
• Garden of the Gods Visitor & Nature Center, Harrisburg
• Lincoln Home National Historic Site, Springfield

Photo credit: Shutterstock