Illinois Tourist Spending Rises to $50.2 Billion

Illinois tourism delivered another strong year, with visitor spending climbing 3.5% to $50.2 billion in 2025, according to Tourism Economics. Governor J.B. Pritzker’s office says the broader economic impact from travel and tourism reached $88 billion last year. That activity also generated $4.9 billion in direct state and local tax revenue, supporting public services and local communities. The state says it continued investing in the industry, awarding more than $3.3 million in travel and tourism-related grants during fiscal year 2025. Officials point to the numbers as a sign that Illinois remains a major destination for visitors and a key driver of economic growth.