CHAMPAIGN, IL (Chambana Today) – Experience Champaign-Urbana (ECU) has announced that recent 2023 data highlights a remarkable economic impact of travel and tourism on east central Illinois. The data, from January 1 to December 31, 2023, shows notable increases across visitor spending, job growth, and local tax revenue.
According to ECU, travel and tourism in the region supported 5,033 jobs (a 2.7% increase), generated $172.7 million in payroll (a 7.4% increase), and produced $19.3 million in local taxes (an 11.5% increase). Visitor spending surged to an impressive $666.9 million, reflecting a 9.5% increase. The counties benefiting from this economic boost include Champaign, Douglas, Ford, Moultrie, and Piatt.
President & CEO of ECU, Jayne DeLuce, says, “Following the pandemic, travel has significantly rebounded, and we are thrilled to see this positive trend continue through 2023. An 8.3% growth in spending in Champaign County, and a 9.5% increase overall for our region, demonstrates the robust health of our tourism sector. Our community’s growth is a testament to the dedication of our team, board, and numerous stakeholders.”
This economic impact data, provided by Tourism Economics for the Illinois Office of Tourism, encompasses international visitor numbers and details spending across various segments. In 2023, transportation (including ground and air travel) accounted for 45.2% of visitor spending, while food and beverage made up 21.9%.
“When visitor spending grows, it results in more jobs, higher payrolls, and increased tax revenues that are reinvested into our community,” DeLuce explained. “Our team works tirelessly to attract sports events, special occasions, meetings and conferences, group travel, and leisure activities to bolster our local economy and enhance residents’ quality of life.”
Though the surge in post-COVID travel has leveled off, DeLuce anticipates these positive trends will persist into 2024 and beyond. “We regularly monitor visitor traffic and spending, and it’s gratifying to see 2024 tax revenues already exceeding previous years. Upcoming big events are expected to further impact our local businesses positively and support our residents.”
Economic Impact of Domestic Travel by County:
- Champaign County
- Travel expenditures: $583.9 million (8.3% increase)
- Local tax revenue: $16.3 million (7.2% increase)
- Douglas County
- Travel expenditures: $49.7 million (0.4% decrease)
- Local tax revenue: $1.3 million (8.3% increase)
- Ford County
- Travel expenditures: $12.4 million (4.2% increase)
- Local tax revenue: $0.8 million (14.2% increase)
- Moultrie County
- Travel expenditures: $9.9 million (6.3% increase)
- Local tax revenue: $0.5 million (25% increase)
- Piatt County
- Travel expenditures: $11.2 million (7.9% increase)
- Local tax revenue: $0.4 million (no change)
ECU is the certified destination management organization for the greater Champaign-Urbana area. Their mission is to promote welcoming destination experiences for visitors to strengthen economic opportunities and enhance residents’ lives. Visit experiencecu.org for more information.