Tourism is a $200 million business in the Aurora Area of Illinois, and it continues to grow.
The Aurora Area Convention & Visitors Bureau (CVB) announced annual tourism expenditures totaling $200.5 million in 2017, a 3.7% increase over 2016. Tourism expenditures represent the total amount of money visitors spend on lodging, gas, food, drink, and entertainment when traveling in the Aurora Area.
Local municipalities collected $3.9 million in local tax receipts as a result of tourism expenditures in the region. Employment and payroll linked to tourism also rose in 2017 — tourism related employment increased by 2.3%, and payroll grew by 4.8%. Over 1,500 individuals are employed in the travel and tourism industry in the Aurora Area.
"The Aurora Area continues to see dynamic growth in the travel industry, as supported by the most recent economic impact data," said Cort Carlson, Executive Director of the Aurora Area CVB. "The addition of Oswego to our service area brings new marketing and sales opportunities to our organization, and a stronger product to entice travelers to experience the entire region."
The Aurora Area CVB services the ten communities of Aurora, Batavia, Big Rock, Hinckley, Montgomery, North Aurora, Oswego, Plano, Sugar Grove, and Yorkville with destination sales and marketing programs.
"The relationship between the Illinois Office of Tourism and the state’s network of certified convention and visitors bureaus is a partnership that continues to show strong benefits for the tourism and travel industry. As a region, we appreciate the support we receive from the state tourism office, and we look forward to continued growth of visitation to the Aurora Area and all of Illinois," said Carlson.
The announcement was made shortly after the Illinois Office of Tourism released economic impact data showing international and domestic travel expenditures in the state reached $39.5 billion, an increase of over $1.1 billion since 2016. Visitors to the state hit an all-time high in 2017 with an additional 1.6 million travelers spending time in Illinois compared to 2016.
"Illinois is the perfect destination for anyone looking for a new experience — whether it's an outdoor adventure, a scenic road trip, incredible nightlife, or a family-friendly activity — there truly is something for everybody," said Cory Jobe, director of Illinois Tourism. "The added boost in state and local tax revenue is a testament to the continued impact that tourism continues to have on Illinois."
Fast Facts about Illinois Tourism in 2017:
Every $1 invested in Illinois tourism generates $9 in economic impact for the state
Illinois welcomed 111 million domestic visitors
Of Illinois’ 111 million domestic visitors, 17% were for business and 83% for leisure
In the past 10 years, domestic travel to Illinois has increased by 23 million visitors
The visitor expenditures generated by domestic visitors supported 308,490 jobs in 2017 which is an increase of 6,040 jobs since 2016
Domestic travelers spent $36.3 billion in Illinois during 2017, a 3.3 percent increase from 2016
The Illinois Office of Tourism receives domestic visitor volume estimates from DK Shifflet. Visitor expenditures, tax revenue and jobs numbers come from U.S. Travel Association.
About the Aurora Area Convention and Visitors Bureau (CVB): Formed in 1987, the Aurora Area Convention and Visitors Bureau (CVB) is a private, non-profit organization dedicated to promoting and marketing the area as a visitor destination. The Aurora Area CVB aggressively promotes the area as an overnight destination and increases visitor awareness and expenditures for the maximum economic benefit of our tourism partners. The goal of the Aurora Area CVB is to enhance the economic and environmental well-being of our region compromised of 10 municipalities: Aurora, Batavia, Big Rock, Hinckley, Montgomery, North Aurora, Oswego, Plano, Sugar Grove, and Yorkville.
Find and follow the Aurora Area CVB on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram, or visit us online at www.enjoyaurora.com.
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