Travel, tourism, and hospitality continue to make a significant impact on DeKalb County’s economic vitality, as evidenced by data recently released by the Illinois Office of Tourism. DeKalb County generated a local economic impact of $124 million – a new record for the county – and contributed to an increase in visitor spending across Illinois in 2024. In addition, the boost in tourism contributed $3.0 million in local tax revenue while directly supporting 711 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 2024 calendar year.

“These latest numbers indicate that travel and tourism are big business for the state and for our local communities,” said DeKalb County Convention and Visitors Bureau executive director, Cortney Strohacker. “Travelers who attend events like DeKalb Corn Fest, the Sandwich Fair, and Sycamore’s Pumpkin Festival contribute to the local economy by spending money at our restaurants, buying gas, and staying at local hotels. When visitors discover all the experiences our area has to offer, they help us spread the word across that country that DeKalb County is a great place to live, learn, work, and play.”

Along with area events, local attractions like the Egyptian Theatre, Whiskey Acres, Jonamac Orchard in Malta, and Genoa’s Prairie State Winery among others contributed to 113 million domestic and international visitors who travelled to Illinois and spent a record $48.5 billion in 2024 – an increase of 500,000 visitors and $1.3 billion in spending from 2023, according to data provided by Tourism Economics. Additionally, Governor JB Pritzker announced that the state’s tourism surge also led to a new all-time high in hotel tax revenue figures in FY25, totaling $367 million – a 14% increase over the previous record set in FY24.

For a county of our size, we punch above our weight in attracting visitors from across the region, the state, and the Midwest to our area,” said DCCVB board of directors chair and Jonamac Orchard owner, Jenna Spychal. “The collaborative efforts by organizations like the DCCVB, DeKalb County Economic Development Corporation (DCEDC), groups like Bold Spirits of DeKalb County, our local businesses, and communities all contribute to making DeKalb County an attractive destination for visitors.”

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.

State hotel tax revenue collections are provided by the Illinois Department of Revenue, representing all taxable revenue from hotels, motels, and lodging establishments across Illinois. The number of visitors is compiled by MMGY/DK Shifflet and included in the report provided by Tourism Economics, which also measures the economic impact of visitor spending.

About DeKalb County Convention and Visitors Bureau:
The DeKalb County Convention and Visitors Bureau works on behalf of county stakeholders to attract leisure travelers and overnight visitors to the area’s diverse attractions, events, and businesses, which include a major public research university (Northern Illinois University) and a group of creative local makers and artisans known as Bold Spirits of DeKalb County. As the county’s only certified destination marketing organization, the bureau serves as a primary point of contact for meeting planners, sports tournament directors, tour operators, special event planners, and travelers. A comprehensive listing of local events, attractions, and destinations can be found on the DCCVB’s events calendar at www.dekalbcountycvb.com.

About the Illinois Office of Tourism

The Illinois Office of Tourism leads tourism industry efforts to inspire visitation to, and within, Illinois, resulting in significant economic impact and quality-of-life benefits for all Illinois residents. We are committed to making Illinois a model of inclusivity and celebration of diversity.

Illinois is a state that embodies innovation, craft, surprise, and creativity. Whether domestic and international visitors are traveling for business or leisure, the Illinois Office of Tourism is their trusted guide in crafting an unforgettable experience.

To learn more, visit www.EnjoyIllinois.com.