Tourism to the Greater Champaign County Area Contributes to Community Vibrancy and Growth
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Champaign County Area Employees See 3.2% Growth in Payroll with over $90.6 million supporting our local workforce.
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As more people discover the benefits of living and working in the greater Champaign County area, visitors continue to contribute to the economic growth, spending over $420.5 million at hotels, restaurants, shops, attractions and more.
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This 3.9% growth in spending is reinvested in the local economy, bringing in $7.6 million in local taxes to our communities, contributing to improvements in infrastructure and saving local families an average of $1,300 on their annual taxes.
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“As we continue to tell the story of our Outside of Ordinary community, from thriving arts & culture, award-winning cuisine, exciting sports, and beautiful nature escapes, we support the people who work and live here,” explains Jayne DeLuce, President & CEO of Visit Champaign County. “Our continued collaborative efforts on future area development and programming contribute to economic growth, and enhance the lives of our neighbors, along with those who visit us for leisure, sports, and conventions. Many are discovering why we are one of the fastest growing cities in Illinois. Every visitor is a potential new resident.”
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The Illinois Office of Tourism announced both international and domestic travel expenditures reached $41.7 billion in 2018 which is a $2 billion boost to the state’s economy since 2017. More than 117 million visitors came to Illinois in 2018 – the 8th consecutive year of record tourism growth in the state – contributing to an increase of visitor spending, tax revenue and local jobs. Our community currently supports 3,150 people working in travel and tourism businesses, and in Illinois, more than 5,200 new jobs were created as a result of visitor spending.
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“Tourism is a critical part of our economy, helping to boost local and state tax revenue and create jobs,” said Jan Kemmerling, Acting Director of the Illinois Office of Tourism. “From scenic road trips, stunning state parks, amazing family-friendly attractions and spectacular nightlife, Illinois offers incredible experiences for visitors all year long.”
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Economic Impact of Domestic Travel by County:
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Champaign County
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Travel expenditures – $363.5 million (4.1% increase)
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Local tax revenue – $6.4 million (2.6% increase)
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Douglas County
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Travel expenditures – $42.2 million (3.1% increase)
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Local tax revenue – $0.74 (1.7% increase)
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Moultrie County
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Travel expenditures – $7.5 million (6.3% increase)
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Local tax revenue – $0.28 million (4.8% increase)
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Piatt County
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Travel expenditures – $7.37 million (1.3% increase)
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Local tax revenue – $0.19 million
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Fast Facts about Illinois Tourism in 2018:
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· Of Illinois’ 114.6 million domestic visitors, 16% were for business and 84% for leisure
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· Illinois welcomed more than 2.3 million international visitors in 2018
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· In the past 10 years, domestic travel to Illinois has increased by 26 million visitors
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· The visitor expenditures generated by domestic visitors supported 342,300 jobs in 2018 which is an increase of 6,200 jobs since 2017
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· State and local tax revenue generated from visitor spending jumped 7.1 percent to $3.3 billion, creating an addition $220.8 million for the state and local communities
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Illinois Office of Tourism receives domestic visitor volume estimates from DK Shifflet and international visitor numbers from Tourism Economics. Visitor expenditures, tax revenue and jobs numbers come from U.S. Travel Association.
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For more press materials and to download images, visit \" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Media.EnjoyIllinois.com
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For travel inspiration and trip ideas, visit 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