CHICAGO — State Senator Sara Feigenholtz is celebrating news that Illinois welcomed a record 113 million visitors in 2024, exceeding the previous record and bringing an increase in visitor spending, tax revenue and hospitality jobs.

“Visitors and locals alike know that Illinois is the best place to be, and the ‘Middle of Everything’ campaign has tremendously helped us get the word out far and wide,” said Feigenholtz (D-Chicago). “Illinois’ record-breaking tourism numbers are evidence of our commitment to promoting our great state to visitors while supporting our tourism industry.”

In 2024, visitor spending directly generated $4.7 billion in state and local tax revenue, according to Tourism Economics. This boost in revenue has stimulated various sectors of the state’s economy while directly supporting 282,165 jobs in the state’s tourism and hospitality industry, an increase of 3,965 jobs from 2023. The city of Chicago saw an impressive 7.7% rise in overnight visitors, further highlighting the state’s appeal as a premier destination for domestic tourists.

A key component of Illinois tourism’s success is the state’s award-winning “Middle of Everything” tourism campaign. The campaign has contributed to an additional two million trips generating over $675 million spent in Illinois hotels, restaurants, small businesses and attractions in 2024. Additionally, every dollar spent on the initiative equated to $74 in visitor spending while generating $7 in state and local tax revenue.

This growth comes on the heels of significant investments in the travel and tourism industry backed by Senate Democrats, including $7 million to support projects along Route 66 ahead of its 2026 centennial, grants to support enhanced events and festivals, and investments in marketing attractions to boost international travel. Illinois has also distributed $15 million through incentives to attract new events to the state, including the IRONMAN 70.3 triathlon in Rockford, the 2026 American Hockey League All-Star Classic, and the U.S. Travel Association’s IPW 2025 in Chicago – the largest inbound travel show in the nation.  

Feigenholtz serves as chair of the Senate Special Committee on Tourism, where she has led initiatives that provided relief to the industry, secured funding for tourism promotion and extended cocktails to-go to provide a lifeline to bars and restaurants struggling during the COVID-19 pandemic. Her district encompasses some of the most-visited destinations in Illinois, including Lincoln Park Zoo, Wrigley Field and Oak Street beach, stretching north along the lakefront from Chicago Avenue to Montrose Harbor and attracting millions each year.

To explore more about the industry, visit the Illinois Office of Tourism’s website.