Capitol News Illinois · Maggie Dougherty · September 4, 2026
Stickers advertise tourism attractions in southern Illinois. (Medill Illinois News Bureau photo by Sonya Dymova).
This summary was written by the reporters and editors who worked on this story.
CHICAGO — Illinois tourism reached new peaks last year, breaking records on visitor spending and generating over $88 billion in total economic impact, Gov. JB Pritzker’s office announced.
The growth was driven by around 115 million domestic and international tourists, who spent $50.2 billion while traveling in Illinois — an increase of 3.5% from the year before, and marking the first time the state has surpassed the $50 billion threshold for visitor spending.
“We’re in the Middle of Everything and there’s something here for everyone — from the beaches of Lake Michigan to the rolling prairies of Southern Illinois,” said Lt. Gov. Juliana Stratton. “Illinois has a rich history, culture, and natural beauty and we’re excited to welcome people from near and far to enjoy it all.”
Read more: ‘Hidden gem’: Growing number of visitors discovering southern Illinois as travel destination
The spending also produced nearly $5 billion in direct state and local tax revenues for Illinois communities and $372 million in hotel tax revenue.
According to a news release from the governor’s office, the state’s ‘Middle of Everything’ tourism campaign helped generate an additional 2.8 million trips and $904 million in visitor spending last year.
Illinois’ tourism industry was also supported by over $3.3 million in state grants in fiscal year 2025, helping to promote projects like the state’s Route 66 centennial celebrations and the Illinois America 250 campaign.
Read more: Illinois unveils plans to celebrate 250 years of American independence | ‘More than just a road’: Illinois communities celebrate Route 66’s centennial
The state’s Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity says it is expanding its focus on outdoor recreation activities with a dedicated unit within its tourism office.
Outdoor recreation activities have been the primary draw for tourism to the southern part of the state in recent years, with visitors taking advantage of hiking, cycling, rock climbing, and ziplining in Shawnee National Forest — and wine tasting at vineyards along five wine trails.
Capitol News Illinois is a nonprofit, nonpartisan news service that distributes state Illinois Press Foundation and the Robert R. McCormick Foundation.
Chicago Reporter Maggie joined CNI in November, 2025 as a Chicago reporter. Maggie is a 2021 graduate of The College of Wooster, where she received her bachelor's degree in international relations and economics, and a 2025 graduate of the Northwestern University Medill School of Journalism, where she received her master's degree in Investigative Journalism. Contact Maggie
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by Maggie Dougherty, Capitol News Illinois September 4, 2026
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