Gov. Pritzker announces Illinois tourism record as 115 million visitors spent $50.2 billion in 2025

Illinois – Governor JB Pritzker said Illinois continued to attract visitors from across the country and around the world as the state’s tourism industry recorded significant growth in 2025.

“Illinois continues to attract visitors from across the country and around the world, delivering economic benefits that reach communities in every corner of our state,” Pritzker said. “The growth of our tourism industry supports local businesses, creates jobs, and strengthens our economy while showcasing the incredible people, places and experiences that make Illinois a world-class destination.”

Pritzker and the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity announced that the state welcomed 115 million domestic and international visitors in 2025, marking an increase from the previous year.

Visitor spending also reached a new milestone, growing 3.5% to $50.2 billion and surpassing $50 billion for the first time in Illinois history.

According to data from Tourism Economics, the spending generated by visitors contributed to an estimated $88 billion in total economic impact across Illinois.

Tourism also generated $4.9 billion in direct state and local tax revenue in 2025, highlighting the industry’s growing role in supporting communities throughout the state.

Lieutenant Governor Juliana Stratton said Illinois offers a wide range of attractions for visitors, from Chicago and the shores of Lake Michigan to communities and natural areas throughout the southern portion of the state.

“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,” Stratton said. “Illinois has a rich history, culture, and natural beauty and we’re excited to welcome people from near and far to enjoy it all.”

One of the factors credited with helping drive the tourism growth was Illinois’ “Middle of Everything” tourism campaign.

The campaign generated an additional 2.78 million trips in 2025 and $904 million in visitor spending, according to state officials.

The campaign is part of Illinois’ broader effort to promote destinations and experiences throughout the state and encourage travelers to spend more time visiting communities beyond the state’s major population centers.

Illinois’ lodging industry also experienced strong results during the year, generating a record $372 million in total hotel tax revenue.

The state also invested more than $3.3 million in tourism grants during fiscal year 2025. The funding was awarded to communities and tourism organizations to support attractions, improve visitor experiences and encourage overnight stays.

Some of those investments were also intended to help Illinois communities prepare for major events and milestones coming in 2026, including the Route 66 Centennial and the 250th anniversary of the United States.

Kristin Richards, director of the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity, said the latest numbers demonstrate the importance of tourism as part of the state’s economic development strategy.

“The continued growth of Illinois’ visitor economy demonstrates the value of investing in tourism as a development strategy,” Richards said.

Richards pointed to state efforts focused on improving visitor attractions, supporting major events, expanding international tourism and strengthening outdoor recreation opportunities.

Illinois is also expanding its focus on outdoor recreation by creating a dedicated unit within DCEO’s Office of Tourism. The unit will work with communities to make better use of their natural assets and attract additional visitors.

The state said the goal is to strengthen Illinois’ position as a travel destination while creating long-term economic benefits for communities.

The record tourism figures come as Illinois prepares for several major milestones that are expected to draw additional attention to the state.

The Route 66 Centennial in 2026 is expected to provide communities along the historic highway with an opportunity to attract travelers interested in the road’s history and cultural significance.

The state is also preparing for America’s 250th anniversary, another major event expected to generate tourism opportunities across Illinois.

State officials said tourism spending provides benefits beyond hotels and attractions, with visitors supporting restaurants, retailers, entertainment venues, transportation providers and other local businesses.

The 2025 results therefore represented more than an increase in the number of people visiting Illinois, according to state officials. The additional spending and tax revenue also provided economic benefits to communities across the state.

Looking ahead, the 2027 Illinois Governor’s Conference on Tourism is scheduled to take place March 1-3, 2027, at Navy Pier in Chicago.

The conference will use the theme “The Next Great Adventure: Reimagining the Journey” and will focus on initiatives intended to shape the future of Illinois’ tourism industry.

With visitor numbers, spending and hotel tax revenue all reaching record or near-record levels, state officials said Illinois would continue investing in tourism and promoting the destinations, attractions and outdoor experiences available throughout the state.