Gov. Quinn announces record number of visitors, tourism spending in
Illinois for 2011
Visitors to the state rise 10 pct,
generating record $31.8 billion in revenue
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[July 24, 2012]
CHICAGO -- Gov. Pat Quinn announced
Monday that the Illinois tourism industry generated a record $31.8
billion in 2011, up 8.4 percent from a year ago. The increase of
nearly $2.5 billion was fueled by a record increase in leisure
travel. The robust results mark the industry's return to
pre-recession levels and emphasize the critical role tourism plays
in fueling Illinois' economic growth, creating jobs and providing
additional revenue to the state.
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"With our world-class cultural attractions and destinations, it is
no surprise that travel to Illinois continues to increase year after
year," Quinn said. "I am committed to showing the world that
Illinois is a great place to visit, and welcoming even more visitors
to our state." The number of visitors in Illinois also set a
record. The state's tourism industry hosted more than 93.3 million
visitors in 2011, an increase of 10.2 percent from 2010 and
surpassing the previous high of 91 million visitors in 2006. The
number of overseas visitors to Illinois rose 6 percent to 1.255
million, the highest level since 2008.
"The tourism industry is a vital part of the Illinois economy,"
added David Vaught, acting director of the Illinois Department of
Commerce and Economic Opportunity. "The state's efforts to promote
tourism have created more jobs for hospitality and travel workers,
while also raising Illinois' profile as an attractive place to visit
and do business."
Illinois travel industry estimates indicate 4,490 jobs were
created in 2011, increasing the number of travel workers in Illinois
to approximately 291,990.
State and local tax revenues from tourism totaled more than $2.3
billion in 2011, an increase of more than $300 million. State tax
revenue rose 20 percent to $1.64 billion, while local tax revenue
rose 5.1 percent to $706 million.
"We continue to develop innovative ways to encourage visitors to
travel to Illinois, building on the growth that points to the
overall recovery of the tourism industry," said Jan Kostner, deputy
director of the Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity's
Office of Tourism.
During the past five years, the economic impact of tourism in
Illinois has grown by more than $3.5 billion. The Illinois Office of
Tourism directly supports the travel industry by promoting visitor
travel both domestically and internationally, to help grow the
tourism industry throughout the state. Destination information, trip
inspiration ideas, the 2012 Illinois Travel Guide and more can be
found at enjoyillinois.com
or by calling 1-800-2CONNECT.
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2011 Illinois tourism industry by the numbers
Statewide impact
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Leisure travel in
Illinois was up 11.8 percent, and business travel was up 4.4
percent.
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Illinois' tourism
industry generated nearly $31.8 billion in revenue in 2011, an
increase of 8.4 percent, or nearly $2.5 billion.
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State and local
tax revenues from tourism totaled more than $2.3 billion in
2011, an increase of more than $300 million.
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The total tourism
tax revenue -- federal, state and local -- saves the average
Illinois household more than $1,100 in taxes each year.
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Illinois' tourism
industry created an additional 4,490 jobs. Tourism industry jobs
increased 1.6 percent to 291,990.
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The number of
overseas visitors to Illinois rose 6 percent to 1,255,000, the
highest level since 2008.
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Visitor volume
outside the city of Chicago was up 9.4 percent, with leisure
travel leading the way with an increase of 10.6 percent.
City of Chicago
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City of Chicago
domestic volume was up 11.2 percent, drawing 42.4 million
visitors. Business travel was up 5.1 percent, while leisure
travel was up 13.5 percent.
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The city of Chicago hosted 1,199,000
overseas visitors in 2011, a 6 percent increase over 2010
arrivals.
___
Sources: D.K. Shifflet & Associates; U.S. Department of Commerce,
Office of Tourism Industries; U.S. Travel Association
[Text from
Illinois Department of
Commerce and Economic Opportunity
file received from the
Illinois Office of
Communication and Information] |