Effingham Tourism Celebrates Impact on Local, State Economy

Visit Effingham announced Tuesday the area generated a local economic impact of $243.9 million and contributed to an increase in visitor spending across Illinois in 2022.

In addition, this boost in tourism contributed $7.1 million in local tax revenue while directly supporting 1,626 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.

“As we look back on the past year, it’s clear that tourism has been a driving force behind Effingham’s economic resurgence. The influx of visitors over the last year has breathed new life into our community, highlighting the inherent allure of our ‘Midwestern Getaway.’ We take pride in showcasing our region’s attractions, local businesses, and vibrant culture. Visit Effingham is eagerly anticipating even greater growth and prosperity in 2023 and beyond,” said Jodi Thoele, Director of Tourism, Visit Effingham.

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

Effingham County

Travel expenditures – $243.9 million (17% increase)

Local tax revenue – $7.1 million (17% increase)

Fast Facts about Illinois Tourism in 2022

● Illinois welcomed 111 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 $4.2 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

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 Visit Effingham

Visit Effingham strategically funnels potential travelers into our city to enhance the economic development of our region through the promotion of tourism and the comprehensive marketing of our destination. In doing so, we are heightening the potential growth of local businesses, creating emotional connections for travelers, and developing lasting experiences for our locals and for visitors.

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.