Travelers Flocked to Illinois Last Year, Generating over $88 Billion in Economic Impact
- Illinois tourism reached record peaks last year, generating over $88 billion in total economic impact, driven by around 115 million domestic and international tourists who spent $50.2 billion.
- The state's "Middle of Everything" tourism campaign helped generate an additional 2.8 million trips and $904 million in visitor spending, driving the record-breaking growth.
- Visitor spending produced nearly $5 billion in direct state and local tax revenues for Illinois communities, with an additional $372 million generated in hotel tax revenue.
- During fiscal year 2025, the state supported the industry with over $3.3 million in grants for projects including the Route 66 centennial and the Illinois America 250 campaign.
- The Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity is expanding its focus on outdoor recreation activities through a dedicated tourism unit, promoting hiking and wine tasting in Shawnee National Forest.
24 Articles
24 Articles
Illinois Quick Hits: Illinois Tourist spending rises to $50.2B - Regional Media News
(The Center Square) - According to data provided by Tourism Economics, visitor spending in Illinois grew 3.5% to $50.2 billion in 2025. A statement from Gov. J.B. Pritzker's office cited the numbers and said the economic impact of tourist spending and visits last year amounted [...]
Travelers flocked to Illinois last year, generating over $88 billion in economic impact – WTOP News
Illinois tourism reached new peaks last year, breaking records on visitor spending and generating over $88 billion in total economic impact, Gov. JB Pritzker’s office announced. The growth was driven by around 115 million domestic and international tourists, who spent $50.2 billion while traveling in Illinois — an increase of 3.5% from the year before,...
Illinois tourism hits record $50.2B in visitor spending, topping $88B in total economic impact
Around 115 million domestic and international tourists visited Illinois last year, pushing visitor spending past $50 billion for the first time and generating more than $88 billion in total economic impact.
Travelers Flocked to Illinois Last Year, Generating More Than $88B in Economic Impact
<span class="field field--name-title field--type-string field--label-hidden">Travelers Flocked to Illinois Last Year, Generating More Than $88B in Economic Impact</span> <span class="field field--name-uid field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden"><span>Maggie Dougher…</span></span> <span class="field field--name-created field--type-created field--label-hidden"><time datetime="2026-09-04T14:09:00-05:00" title="Friday, September 4, 2026 - …
Associated Press News
Travelers flocked to Illinois last year, generating over $88 billion in economic impact
Illinois tourism reached new peaks last year, breaking records on visitor spending and generating over $88 billion in total economic impact, Gov.
Coverage Details
Bias Distribution
- 45% of the sources are Center
Factuality
To view factuality data please Upgrade to Premium
