Heritage Corridor Destinations Helps Illinois Tourism Reach Record Revenues

Heritage Corridor Destinations announced today the area generated a local economic impact of $1.6 billion and contributed to an increase in visitor spending across Illinois in 2023. In addition, this boost in tourism contributed $54.4 million in local tax revenue while directly supporting more than 12,200 jobs in the tourism and hospitality industry, according to the latest data provided by Tourism Economics.

“I’m thrilled to see our six-county region continues to provide significant economic impact from visitors to the region – celebrating the 175th anniversary of the I&M Canal, the beauty of Starved Rock Country, and the nostalgia of The First Hundred Miles of Route 66 Illinois,”-said Robert Navarro, President & CEO of Heritage Corridor Destinations. “Visitors are spending over $1.6 billion on transportation, lodging, attractions, food & beverage and other tourism related services in our region – that translates to over 12,000 jobs and more than $54 million in taxes for our local communities.”

Governor JB Pritzker recently announced that Illinois reached its highest ever total tax revenue figures in FY24 ($322 million)-a 4.5% increase over the previous record set in FY23. Illinois welcomed 112 million domestic and international visitor who spent $47 billion in 2023-an increase of 1 million visitors and $3 billion in spending from 2022. Visitor spending in 2023 surpassed 2019 levels for the first time, reaching 4% above its pre-pandemic benchmark. As a result of tourism spending and visits in 2012 the overall economic impact-which included indirect and induced impacts-amounted to $83 billion, which is a 6.4% 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.”

*Bureau travel expenditures-$55.6 million (4.9 decrease) Local tax revenue-$1.4 million

*Grundy travel expenditures-$119.8 million (.34% increase) Local tax revenue-$3.3 million

*LaSalle travel expenditures-$323.6 million (.9% increase) Local tax revenue-$9.8 million

*Livingston travel expenditures-$51.2 million (1.9% increase) Local tax revenue-$1.7 million

*Putnam travel expenditures-$10.1 million (4.1% increase) Local tax revenue-$1 million

*Will travel expenditures-$1.037 billion (.5% increase) Local tax revenue-$37.2 million

*Illinois welcomed 112 million domestic and international visitors in 2023, an increase of 1 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% increase over the previous record set in FY23

Heritage Corridor is a destination of six Illinois counties (Will, Grundy, Livingston, LaSalle, Bureau, and Putnam) southwest of Chicago including the first hundred miles of Route 66, I & M Canal towns and Starved Rock Country.  Experience heritage with a modern twist in dining, culture, vintage shopping, and outdoor activities for visitors to explore whether it be a daytrip or weekend visit.  Cruise through the first hundred miles of Route 66 where a visitor can enjoy more than a taste of the Mother Road and midcentury Americana style. Stroll through the I & M Canal towns and experience the amenities of this cultural, natural, and economic resource with a combination of industrial grit and up-cycled architecture that leaves a visitor inspired about the past and the future.  Starved Rock Country, one of the Midwest’s original vacation destinations, invites visitors to unplug and experience the charm and beauty of the area waterfalls, canyons, and the Illinois River valley. Visiting the Heritage Corridor is time well-spent; ….the essence of midwestern hospitality, outdoor rejuvenation, and vintage flair with a modern twist.