Kane County Tourism Generates $481 Million in Local Revenue
Kane County generated about $482 million in local tax revenue and almost $11 million in visitor expenditures in 2017, according to statistics shared by the Illinois Office of Tourism and the Greater St. Charles Convention and Visitors Bureau.
Statewide, 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.
Kane County’s $481.78 travel expenditures represent at 3.2 percent increase. The $10.83 million in local tax revenue represents a 3.4 percent increase.
The St. Charles area played a role in the state’s added economic domestic growth, as well, with $1.9 million in local hotel/motel tax revenue, a 1 percent increase.
More than 6,000 jobs were created across the state as a result of visitor spending. Visitor spending contributed to the 146 new jobs created in St. Charles.
“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.”
With visitor growth continuing its upward trend, St. Charles area locals will have a lot to look forward to as work continues developing the region, says DeAnn Wagner, interim executive director of the Greater St. Charles Convention and Visitors Bureau.
“The St. Charles area has a long history in tourism and its future is bright with the new developments in downtown St. Charles and with the nearby cross country course,” she said.
Fast Facts About Illinois Tourism in 2017
- Every $1 invested in Illinois tourism generates $9 in economic impact for the state.
- Illinois welcomed 111 million domestic visitors.
- Of Illinois’ 111 million domestic visitors, 17 percent were for business and 83 percent for leisure.
- In the past 10 years, domestic travel to Illinois has increased by 23 million visitors.
- The visitor expenditures generated by domestic visitors supported 308,490 jobs in 2017, which is an increase of 6,040 jobs since 2016.
- Domestic travelers spent $36.3 billion in Illinois during 2017, a 3.3 percent increase from 2016.
The 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 travel inspiration and trip ideas, visit EnjoyIllinois.com.
