Rock Island County generated $219.2 million in travel expenditures and $4.2 million in local tax revenue
Quad Cities – Today, the Illinois Office of Tourism announced domestic and international travel expenditures reached $37.9 billion in 2016 – a $571 million increase from 2015.
This follows the state’s record-breaking domestic Illinois tourism figures released in May, which highlighted an increase of one million travelers to the state in 2016.
Rock Island County contributed to Illinois’ robust economic growth to the tune of $219.2 million in travel expenditures—a 3% increase over 2015—and $4.2 million in local tax revenue—a 7.7% increase over the previous year. Additionally, the tourism industry created 10,000 new jobs across the state, with 1,700 of them in Rock Island County.
“One of the beautiful things about Illinois is the variety of experiences you can enjoy across the state – whether you’re looking for family-friendly activities, outdoor adventure, delicious food, or an amazing road trip,” said Cory Jobe, Director of the Illinois Office of Tourism. “By bringing new money to our stores, hotels, and attractions, visitors have the power to create a tangible economic impact on our communities. Our success as a state depends on each county doing their part to promote the diverse ways visitors can experience their amazing moments in Illinois.”
These numbers reflect the 2016 tourism economic impact numbers for Rock Island County only. Economic impact numbers for Scott County will be reported in fall of 2017 by the Iowa Tourism Office.
“The Quad Cities has a lot to be proud of, and we have an exciting future ahead as a popular destination for people looking for getaways and vacations,” says Joe Taylor, President/CEO, Quad Cities Convention & Visitors Bureau. “Whether visitors are coming to our area for a getaway, sports tournament, group tour, or convention, their dollars have a huge impact on the local economy. Overnight stays keep over 50 Quad Cities’ hotels in business which in turn employ thousands of people and generate hotel/motel tax collections and property taxes for each of our cities.”
“Visitors spend money at our stores, attractions, restaurants, and entertainment venues. They buy tickets to our festivals, plays, and concerts. They also bring meetings/conventions and sports tournaments to fill our convention centers and sports facilities. Tourism is all about economic development. Tourism brings new money and businesses into our area and generates jobs for the people that live in this community.”
The Quad Cities will soon be welcoming two new hotel properties and a new attraction. The properties include The Current Iowa Hotel in downtown Davenport and The Element Hotel in downtown Moline. The Element Hotel is attached to the new Amtrak passenger rail station that is also under construction. The Bix Beiderbecke Museum & Archives will open to the public on Monday, July 24, at the River Music Experience, adding to the wealth of attractions available to visitors.
Fast facts about Illinois Tourism in 2016:
- Every $1 invested in Illinois tourism generates $9 in economic impact.
- Illinois welcomed 110 million domestic visitors (an additional one million visitors over 2015).
- Of Illinois’ 110 million domestic visitors, 17% were for business and 83% for leisure.
- In the past ten years, domestic travel to Illinois has increased by 19 million visitors.
- Domestic travelers spent nearly $35.1 billion in Illinois during 2016, a 1.8% increase over 2015.
- In 2016, domestic travelers to Illinois generated $2.6 billion in state and local tax revenue, an increase of $122 million over 2015.
- Length of stay per visitor increased by 3%, surpassing the US average of 2.4%.
- These numbers, provided by the U.S. Travel Association, are preliminary numbers only. Final visitor statistics will be made available later this year.
For more press material and to download images, visit http://media.enjoyillinois.com. For travel inspiration and trip ideas, visit https://enjoyillinois.com.
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The Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity, Office of Tourism manages industry efforts that result in sustainable and significant economic and quality-of-life benefits for Illinois residents.
