McHenry County Tourism Contributes to Record Tourism Growth in Illinois

McHenry County generated $15.4 million in local tax revenue and $344.2 million in visitor spending

McHenry County, Ill. – Naturally McHenry County announced today the area generated a local economic impact of $344.2 million and contributed to an increase in visitor spending across Illinois in 2023. In addition, this boost in tourism contributed $15.4 million in local tax revenue while directly supporting 2,231 jobs in the tourism and hospitality industry, according to the latest data provided by Tourism Economics, a global tourism research firm, which measures the number of visitors as well as their impact on Illinois’ economy during the 2023 calendar year.

“I am thrilled to report a significant milestone in our region's growth, with visitor spending reaching $344.2 million in 2023, a 2.41% increase over the previous year." said Jaki Berggren, President & CEO of Naturally McHenry County. “This growth not only underscores the enduring appeal of our community but also highlights the effective collaboration between local businesses, tourism initiatives, and stakeholders. The rise in local tax revenue by 2.67% to $15.4million further reflects the positive economic impact of these efforts,strengthening our local economy and supporting essential public services.”

Governor JB Pritzker recently announced that Illinois reached its highest-ever hotel tax revenue figures in FY24 ($322 million) – a 4.5% increase over the previous 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% 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.

“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," said DCEO Director Kristin Richards."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. "Whether it's the vibrant energy of Chicago or the charm of our small towns, we've introduced new initiatives like LUXE By Illinois, which highlights luxury experiences and expanded our Outdoor experiences campaign, Real People, Real Stories, Real Outdoors, giving visitors even more compelling reasons to extend their stay and spend more.”


Economic Impact of Domestic Travel for McHenry County:
Travel expenditures – $344.2 million (2.41%increase)
Local tax revenue – $15.4 million (2.67%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

Annual economic impact data is provided by Tourism Economics and 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.

To learn more about Illinois and to plan an Illinois getaway, visit www.EnjoyIllinois.com.


About Naturally McHenry County:
Naturally McHenry County enhances the region’s quality of life by collaboratively leading the promotion and thoughtful development of the experiences and attractions that make the region a great place to live, enjoy and visit.

McHenry County will be widely recognized as offering a vibrant and magnetic mix of rural and hometown experiences, just outside Chicago.

To learn more, visit www.NaturallyMcHenryCounty.com.