Press Room

Tourism to the Greater Champaign County Area Contributing to Robust Economic Growth in Illinois

The Illinois Office of Tourism announced both international and domestic travel expenditures reached $39.5 billion in 2017 which is a $1.1 billion boost to the state’s economy since 2016. Visitors to the state hit an all time high in 2017 with an additional 1.6 million travelers from 2016 contributing to an increase of visitor spending, tax revenue and local jobs.

The greater Champaign County area played a role in the state’s added economic domestic growth, with $404.47 million in travel expenditures (a 6.4% increase) and $7.4 million in local tax revenue (a 7.2% increase). As a result of spending, more than 6,000 new jobs were created across the state in 2017, of which 150 in the greater Champaign County area. This brings the total to 3,140 jobs supported by travel and tourism.

“Illinois is the perfect destination for anyone looking for a new experience – whether it’s an outdoor adventure, a scenic road trip, incredible nightlife, or a family-friendly activity – there truly is something for everybody,” said Cory Jobe, director of Illinois Tourism. “The added boost in state and local tax revenue is a testament to the continued impact that tourism continues to have on Illinois.”

Economic Impact of Domestic Travel by County: 
Champaign County

Travel expenditures – $349.23 million (6.1% increase)
Local tax revenue – $6.21 million (6.3% increase)

Douglas County
Travel expenditures – $40.92 million (3.8% increase)
Local tax revenue – $0.73 million (4.0% increase)

Moultrie County
Travel expenditures – $7.05 million (4.4% increase)
Local tax revenue – $0.27 million (4.6% increase)

Piatt County
Travel expenditures – $7.27 million (1.5% increase)
Local tax revenue – $0.19 million (1.8% increase) 

“With visitor growth moving upward, the greater Champaign County area residents will have a lot to look forward to as work continues to develop the region,” says Jayne DeLuce, President & CEO of Visit Champaign County.

“Numerous events and attractions contribute to the growth in our area—our title of Midwest Living’s Greatest Midwest Food Town, the addition of Restaurant Week, increased group tours to our Outside of Ordinary attractions, new sporting events such as the Illinois State Women’s Bowling Tournament and the American Cornhole Organization Midwest Championships, hosting the Hot Rod Power Tour, as well as continued sales in meetings and conventions. Long standing events such as the Christie Clinic Illinois Marathon, ELLNORA | The Guitar Festival, IHSA State Wrestling, Pygmalion, and Ebertfest continue to bring in visitors from around the country.”

Fast Facts about Illinois Tourism in 2017:

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

For more press materials and to download images, visit Media.EnjoyIllinois.com

For travel inspiration and trip ideas, visit EnjoyIllinois.com

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.

Visit Champaign County\'s Economic Impact Video

We use cookies to ensure that you get the best experience on our website, although the cookies we use do not contain personally identifiable information. By continuing on this website or by clicking “ I Accept Cookies”, you agree to the storing of cookies on your device. You can learn more about our privacy policy, how we use cookies, or how to disable cookies by clicking on the " Learn More " link at the end of this statement. Learn More.

I Accept Cookies I Decline Cookies