County generated $6.7million in direct local tax revenue, $167.7 million in visitor spending.
Visit Kankakee County announced the area generated a local economic impact of $167.7 million and contributed to an increase in visitor spending across Illinois in 2023. In addition, tourism contributed $6.7 million in local tax revenue, while directly supporting 1,239 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.
Nicole Gavin, executive director, stated: “This remarkable growth across the state emphasizes the strength and appeal of our diverse Illinois destinations, world-class hospitality, and innovative marketing efforts.”
While Kankakee County experienced a slight decrease of 2 percent in tourism revenue, visitors still generated an increase of 1.5 percent in direct local tax revenue and also supported the increase of 1,229 to 1,239 tourism related jobs.
Gavin continues, “We are excited about new attractions, upcoming events, and promotional campaigns designed to attract more visitors and create lasting impressions. We’re confident our dedicated efforts and community support will drive renewed growth in tourism throughout Kankakee County.”
Gov. J.B. Pritzker recently announced Illinois reached its highest level hotel tax revenue figures in FY24 ($322 million) – a 4.5 percent 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 one 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 percent 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 percent 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
Kankakee County – Travel expenditures – $167.7 (2 percent decrease)
Local tax revenue – $6.7 million (1.5 percent increase)
Fast Facts about Illinois Tourism in 2023
Illinois welcomed 112 million domestic and international visitors in 2023, an increase of one 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 percent 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.