Scott Dahl

Director, Springfield Convention & Visitors Bureau

Scott.dahl@springfield.il.us

217-789-2360 ext. 5531

Springfield & Sangamon County generated $17.2 million in local tax revenue and 

$536.8 million in visitor spending

 

Springfield, Ill., September 6, 2023 – Springfield Convention & Visitors Bureau announced today the area generated a local economic impact of $536.8 million and contributed to an increase in visitor spending across Illinois in 2022. In addition, this boost in tourism contributed $17.2 million in local tax revenue while directly supporting 4,700 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.

“I am extremely proud of the Visit Springfield team, City of Springfield officials and tourism partners like the Springfield Hotel & Lodging Association & Illinois Office of Tourism.  Together we eclipsed $500 million dollars in direct travel expenditures and now have our sights set on selling one-million hotel room nights annually in Sangamon County.  The SCHEELS Sports Park, BOS Center, IL State Fairgrounds, Transportation Hub, Route 66 Centennial and legendary historic experiences will help break more tourism records down the road.”   

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.”

Travel expenditures – $536.8 million (33.3% increase compared to 2021)

Local tax revenue – $17.2 million (37% increase compared to 2021)

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.

To learn more about Springfield and all there is to see & do, visit www.visitspringfieldillinois.com

For more information, or to schedule an interview contact Scott Dahl, Director at 217-789-2360 ext. 5531 or e-mail scott.dahl@springfield.il.us.