Springfield Convention & Visitors Bureau Contributes to Record Tourism Growth in Illinois

Sangamon County generated $18.8 mil in local tax revenue and $601.3 mil in visitor spending

Springfield, Ill. – Springfield Convention & Visitors Bureau, Visit Springfield, announced today the area generated a local economic impact of $601.3 million and contributed to an increase in visitor spending across Illinois in 2023. In addition, this boost in tourism contributed $18.8 in local tax revenue while directly supporting 5000 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 2023 calendar year.

“For the third consecutive year, the Springfield area realized record breaking traveler expenditures in 2023.  Travelers spent $601 million dollars at hotels, restaurants, retail, gas stations, sites and attractions last year.   The visitor economy is strong, creates over 5,000 local jobs and generates $18.8 million annually in local taxes,” said Tourism Director Scott Dahl.

Governor JB Pritzker recently announced that Illinois reached its highest-ever hotel tax revenue figures in FY24 ($322 million) – a 4.5% increase over the previous record set in FY23. Illinois welcomed 112 million domestic and international visitors who spent $47 billion in 2023 – an increase of 1 million visitors and $3 billion in spending from 2022, according to data provided by Tourism Economics. Visitor spending in 2023 surpassed 2019 levels for the first time, reaching 4% above its pre-pandemic benchmark. As a result of tourist spending and visits in 2023, the overall economic impact – which includes indirect and induced impacts – amounted to $83 billion, which is a 6.4% increase from 2022 figures.

“Illinois continues to make substantial investments in the travel and tourism sector, leading to an increase in visitors who are spending more time in our state and supporting local businesses," said DCEO Director Kristin Richards. "We’re excited to continue this momentum and further enhance tourism in Illinois, building on this record-breaking success."

"Illinois' tourism is thriving, with another record-breaking year across key metrics such as the average length of stay, visitor spending, and overall growth," said Daniel Thomas, Deputy Director of the DCEO Office of Tourism. "Whether it's the vibrant energy of Chicago or the charm of our small towns, we've introduced new initiatives like LUXE By Illinois, which highlights luxury experiences and expanded our Outdoor experiences campaign, Real People, Real Stories, Real Outdoors, giving visitors even more compelling reasons to extend their stay and spend more.”

Economic Impact of Domestic Travel by County:

Sangamon County

Travel expenditures – $601.3 million (12% increase)

Local tax revenue – $18.8 million (10% increase)

Fast Facts about Illinois Tourism in 2023

Illinois welcomed 112 million domestic and international visitors in 2023, an increase of 1 million visitors from 2022

Visitor spending resulted in $47 billion in 2023, an increase of $3 billion from 2022

State and local tax revenue from visitor spending generated $4.6 billion in 2023

Visitor spending supported 278,200 tourism-related jobs, an increase of 7,600 jobs from 2022

Illinois reached its highest-ever hotel tax revenue figures in FY24, $322 million – a 4.5% increase over the previous record set in FY23

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 Springfield Convention & Visitors Bureau:
The Springfield Convention & Visitors Bureau (SCVB) is the official destination marketing organization for the City of Springfield, Illinois.  As a department of the City of Springfield, the SCVB markets the capital city as a unique convention, meeting and leisure destination in support of our City, our community and our hospitality partners.