Tourism in Illinois Hits All-Time High

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Published on May 15 2018 1:40 pm
Last Updated on May 15 2018 1:40 pm
Written by Greg Sapp

Tourism in Illinois hit an all-time high in 2017.

Nearly 114 million people traveled to the state last year and provided a $1.1 billion boost to the state's economy.

Last year's visitor totals were 3% higher than 2016, which had been a record year. In the past 10 years, travelers visiting Illinois increased by more than 22 million. The Illinois tourism industry supported 335,500 jobs in 2017, an increase of 18,600 jobs since 2015.

Visitors spent a whopping $39.5 billion in Illinois in 2017, according to the US Travel Association., a 3% jump from 2016. Visitor outlays for goods and services generated $2.95 billion in state and local tax revenue, up $75 million from 2016.

Illinois Office of Tourism Director Cory Jobe said several integrated marketing campaigns were successful, generating $9 in economic impact for every dollar invested by the State.