Springfield, IL  (CAPITOL CITY NOW) – Springfield’s tourism surged in 2023 and delivered a positive economic punch, generating $601.3 million in local impact and driving a rise in visitor spending. Tourism also funneled $18.8 million into local tax revenue and directly supported 5,000 jobs in the tourism and hospitality sector, according to the latest data from the Springfield Convention & Visitors Bureau and global research firm Tourism Economics, which tracked visitor numbers and their economic impact throughout 2023.

“For the third consecutive year, the Springfield area realized record breaking traveler expenditures in 2023.  Travelers spent $601 million dollars at hotels, restaurants, retail, gas stations, sites and attractions last year.   The visitor economy is strong, creates over 5,000 local jobs and generates $18.8 million annually in local taxes,” said Tourism Director Scott Dahl.

Visitor spending in 2023 surpassed 2019 levels for the first time, reaching 4% above its pre-pandemic benchmark. As a result of tourist spending and visits in 2023, the overall economic impact – which includes indirect and induced impacts – amounted to $83 billion, which is a 6.4% increase from 2022 figures.

 

Economic Impact of Domestic Travel by County:

Sangamon County

Travel expenditures – $601.3 million (12% increase)

Local tax revenue – $18.8 million (10% increase)

Fast Facts about Illinois Tourism in 2023

Illinois welcomed 112 million domestic and international visitors in 2023, an increase of 1 million visitors from 2022

Visitor spending resulted in $47 billion in 2023, an increase of $3 billion from 2022

State and local tax revenue from visitor spending generated $4.6 billion in 2023

Visitor spending supported 278,200 tourism-related jobs, an increase of 7,600 jobs from 2022

Illinois reached its highest-ever hotel tax revenue figures in FY24, $322 million – a 4.5% increase over the previous record set in FY23

Source: Springfield Convention and Visitors Bureau