A new report from the Danville Area Visitors Bureau shows that tourism generated a direct impact of $129.5 million dollars on the local economy last year. The figure represents an 18.4 percent increase over 2021. Adding to the numbers was 1,188 tourism related jobs, with a total labor income of $45.7 million dollars, and local tax income of $6.7 million dollars. The numbers are from annual economic impact data provided by Tourism Economics, with state hotel revenue collections provided by the Illinois Department of Revenue.
‘’This fiscal year we have seen significant increases in every category, coming off the covid years,’’ said Jeanie Cooke, Executive Director of the Danville Area Visitors Bureau. ‘’Since the start of the State’s Certified Convention & Visitors’ Bureau program in 1984, tourism has provided a steady source of income for Danville and Vermilion County,’’ added Cooke.
Kristin Richards, Director of the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity, says tourism is a key economic driver for the state, contributing to the growth of small businesses while generating jobs for local communities.
‘’From iconic road trips and scenic drives to family-friendly attractions, thrilling outdoor adventures and picturesque state parks – Illinois is full of extraordinary and diverse experiences that attract visitors from around the world,’’ said Daniel Thomas. He is the Deputy Director of the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity, Office of Tourism. And that’s what you find here in Danville and Vermilion County – a place you really can ‘Escape the Ordinary.’
{Information above provided by the Danville Area Visitors Bureau. Photos by Bill Pickett.}
