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

[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.

"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

• Illinois hosted more than 93.3 million visitors in 2011, a 10.2 percent increase from 2010 and the highest level on record, surpassing the previous record of 91 million visitors in 2006.

• Leisure travel in Illinois was up 11.8 percent, and business travel was up 4.4 percent.

• Illinois' tourism industry generated nearly $31.8 billion in revenue in 2011, an increase of 8.4 percent, or nearly $2.5 billion.

• State and local tax revenues from tourism totaled more than $2.3 billion in 2011, an increase of more than $300 million.

• The total tourism tax revenue -- federal, state and local -- saves the average Illinois household more than $1,100 in taxes each year.

• Illinois' tourism industry created an additional 4,490 jobs. Tourism industry jobs increased 1.6 percent to 291,990.

• The number of overseas visitors to Illinois rose 6 percent to 1,255,000, the highest level since 2008.

• 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

• 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.

• The city of Chicago hosted 1,199,000 overseas visitors in 2011, a 6 percent increase over 2010 arrivals.

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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]