Tourism revenue numbers up across Illinois. What about in Galesburg?
Ilinois Governor JB Pritzker recently announced the state generated its highest total hotel revenue, highlighting economic growth among tourism. We've now learned how much revenue was generated in Galesburg and Knox County.
According to the Galesburg Tourism and Visitors Bureau, the area generated a local economic impact of $97 million. In addition, this boost in tourism contributed $3.4 million in local tax revenue while directly supporting 631 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 2022 calendar year.
“The tourism industry and the revenues generated from visitors and non-residents deliver positive results for Knox County’s economy,” Randy Newcomb, executive director of the Galesburg Tourism and Visitors Bureau said in a news release. "We, along with our many tourism partners have worked hard over the last three years promoting Galesburg and Knox County, and the product of this collaboration is proof of the undeniable benefit of tourism to our community."
Last month, state leaders announced the state hotel revenue was $308 million, surpassing the pre-pandemic record in 2019.
More: Here's why Galesburg ranks as one of the top small cities in America
The record-setting number in the state and the growth in Knox County all comes as the state reported an increase in tourism. Last year, the state saw 111 million visitors, 14 million more than 2021.
With an increase of visitors comes an increase in spending. State officials said spending surged across the state to $44 billion in 2022.
As a result of tourist spending and visits in 2022, the overall economic impact – which includes indirect and induced impacts - amounted to $78 billion, a 30% increase from 2021 figures ($60 billion).
Newcomb said Knox County is well on its way to seeing successful numbers in 2023.
"Our numbers so far in 2023 are strong, and we will continue to raise the level of tourism in Knox County.”
This article originally appeared on Rockford Register Star: Tourism revenue numbers continue to rise in Galesburg, Illinois
