Illinois tourism generates $88 billion in economic impact

Illinois tourism reached record levels last year, generating more than $88 billion in total economic impact. According to an announcement from Governor JB Pritzker’s office, approximately 115 million domestic and international tourists visited the state, spending a total of $50.2 billion. This represents a 3.5% increase from the previous year and marks the first time visitor spending in the state has exceeded the $50 billion threshold.

The surge in tourism contributed nearly $5 billion in direct state and local tax revenues, including $372 million in hotel tax revenue. The state’s ‘Middle of Everything’ campaign was credited with generating an additional 2.8 million trips and $904 million in spending.

To support continued growth, the state’s Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity is expanding its focus on outdoor recreation through a dedicated unit within its tourism office. This follows recent trends in Southern Illinois, where visitors have increasingly engaged in activities such as hiking, cycling, and rock climbing in the Shawnee National Forest.