Illinois tourism reached new peaks last year, breaking records on visitor spending and generating over $88 billion in total economic impact, Gov. JB Pritzker\u2019s office announced.<\/p>\n
The growth was driven by around 115 million domestic and international tourists, who spent $50.2 billion while traveling in Illinois \u2014 an increase of 3.5% from the year before, and marking the first time the state has surpassed the $50 billion threshold for visitor spending.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe\u2019re in the Middle of Everything and there\u2019s something here for everyone \u2014 from the beaches of Lake Michigan to the rolling prairies of Southern Illinois,\u201d said Lt. Gov. Juliana Stratton. \u201cIllinois has a rich history, culture, and natural beauty and we\u2019re excited to welcome people from near and far to enjoy it all.\u201d<\/p>\n
The spending also produced nearly $5 billion in direct state and local tax revenues for Illinois communities and $372 million in hotel tax revenue.<\/p>\n
According to a news release from the governor\u2019s office, the state\u2019s \u2018Middle of Everything\u2019 tourism campaign helped generate an additional 2.8 million trips and $904 million in visitor spending last year.<\/p>\n
Illinois\u2019 tourism industry was also supported by over $3.3 million in state grants in fiscal year 2025, helping to promote projects like the state\u2019s Route 66 centennial celebrations<\/a> and the Illinois America 250<\/a> campaign.<\/p>\n The state\u2019s Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity says it is expanding its focus on outdoor recreation activities with a dedicated unit within its tourism office.<\/p>\n Outdoor recreation activities have been the primary draw for tourism to the southern part of the state<\/a> in recent years, with visitors taking advantage of hiking, cycling, rock climbing, and ziplining in Shawnee National Forest \u2014 and wine tasting at vineyards along five wine trails.<\/p>\n ___<\/p>\n