In the past two years, the Illinois Quad Cities has generated significant domestic and international tourism revenue for the state.
Illinois Tourism Director Cory Jobe was quoted as saying in a press release issued by the Quad Cities Convention & Visitors Bureau (QCCVB) that the boost in both state and local tax revenues solidifies the ongoing benefits that tourism continues to provide for the state.
“Whether it’s an outdoor adventure, a scenic road trip, incredible nightlife, or a family-friendly activity, there truly is something for everybody,” Jobe said.
Recent revenue numbers indicate that last year, domestic and international travel expenditures in the state were approximately $1.1 billion more than that of 2016, reaching around $39.5 billion in 2017. Rock Island County alone contributed nearly $4.3 million in local tax revenue and $223 million in visitor spending.
The increases also led to a significant boost in the jobs sector. Quad Cities Convention & Visitors Bureau estimates that over the course of the past year, more than 6,000 jobs were created statewide. Approximately 1,740 of these jobs were in Rock Island County.
“The experienced staff at the [QCCVB] works daily to attract visitors to positively impact the visitor expenditures in our economy,” Lynn Hunt, QCCVB interim president/CEO, said in the press release.
The QCCVB also said that domestic travel to Illinois has increased by 23 million visitors in the past decade.
“The Quad Cities benefits not only from increased employment opportunities and local sales tax receipts, but also in showcasing our community to potential new students, residents, and business owners,” Hunt said.
Some of the biggest attractions include the Mississippi River, the state’s many festivals, and youth and professional sporting competitions.
In the job sector, the Quad Cities attracts candidates from areas including Chicago, Milwaukee, Madison, Cedar Rapids and Omaha.
“Attracting talented and skilled laborers continues to be a priority for our region,” Hunt said.
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