Report: Tourism in Adams, Pike, Hancock counties generated economic impact of $202.3 million

QUINCY — SeeQuincy announced in a Tuesday press release that tourism in Adams, Pike and Hancock counties generated an economic impact of $202.3 million, contributing to an increase in visitor spending across Illinois in 2023.

Tourism contributed $15.6 million in local tax revenue while directly supporting 1,474 jobs in the tourism and hospitality industry, according to the latest data provided by Tourism Economics. This global tourism research firm measures the number of visitors and their impact on Illinois’ economy during 2023.

“We are thrilled with the latest numbers behind one of the Quincy area’s leading industries,” SeeQuincy Executive Director Holly Cain said in the press release. “Adams County alone is up $7 million over the previous year.”   

Gov. JB Pritzker recently announced Illinois reached its highest-ever hotel tax revenue figures in FY24 ($322 million) — a 4.5 percent increase over the record set in FY23. Illinois welcomed 112 million domestic and international visitors who spent $47 billion in 2023 – an increase of 1 million visitors and $3 billion in spending from 2022, according to data provided by Tourism Economics.

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

“Illinois continues to make substantial investments in the travel and tourism sector, leading to an increase in visitors who are spending more time in our state and supporting local businesses,” Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO) Director Kristin Richards said. “We’re excited to continue this momentum and further enhance tourism in Illinois, building on this record-breaking success.”

“Illinois’ tourism is thriving, with another record-breaking year across key metrics such as the average length of stay, visitor spending and overall growth,” said Daniel Thomas, deputy director of the DCEO Office of Tourism.

Economic Impact of Domestic Travel by County

Adams County

• Travel expenditures – $138.9 million (5.3% increase)
• Local tax revenue – $8.9 million 
• Tourism & hospitality jobs ­– 1,130

Hancock County

• Travel expenditures – $30.4 million (1.5% increase)
• Local tax revenue – $2.8 million 
• Tourism & hospitality jobs ­– 193

Pike County

• Travel expenditures – $33.9 million 
• Local tax revenue – $3.9 million 
• Tourism & hospitality jobs ­– 151

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.

To learn more about local and state travel, explore SeeQuincy.com or EnjoyIllinois.com. Annual economic impact data is provided by Tourism Economics. State hotel revenue collections are provided by the Illinois Department of Revenue. The hotel revenue figures represent all Illinois hotels, motels and lodging establishment’s taxable revenue.