Last year's tourism breeds optimism
Many industries are blaming the economy for a string of bad news lately, but based on new 2007 data, Illinois tourism officials are hopeful theirs won't be among them.
The Woodfield Chicago Northwest Convention Bureau Thursday hosted the suburban stop of the Illinois Bureau of Tourism's weeklong 2008 Illinois Road Show at the CoCo Key Water Resort in Arlington Heights.
The bureau's deputy director, Jan Kostner, said the road show is a way to reach out to other members of the tourism industry.
Among the information shared was that tourism spending in Illinois increased by $1.6 billion in 2007 to a record $29.9 billion.
This resulted in a $110 million increase in state and local taxes from tourist spending, bringing the total amount of tax revenue to just over $2 billion.
Bureau officials assert that this level of tourist spending in Illinois saved residents an average of $1,100 in taxes last year.
Arlington Heights Village President Arlene Mulder, who introduced Kostner, said that what she tells residents about the village is equally true of the whole state.
"Every time you spend a dollar in Illinois, you're putting a dollar back in your own pocket," Mulder said. "Invest in your own state."
Kostner thanked Mulder for the support she provides state tourism, including such venues as Arlington Park racecourse and the new CoCo Key water park at the Sheraton Chicago Northwest next door.
Apart from the good financial news from 2007, Kostner was also excited to report new findings suggesting other benefits of traveling.
She said there's now data showing that the risk of a heart attack declines by 50 percent with an annual travel vacation, while three out of four employers believe such vacations are necessary to prevent burnout and maintain productivity among their employees.
As good as the 2007 numbers were, Kostner said she was realistic about the fact that the economy and gas prices have continued to change for the worse in 2008.
But she's optimistic that this could work for local and state tourism. People have proven reluctant to give up vacations altogether, adapting their plans to remain closer to home when they travel.
For the most part, though, tourist visits are still defined as being more than 50 miles from home, Kostner said. Though nearer day trips are also encouraged, hotel stays are the main way tourism is measured.
Tourism from overseas is also booming because the U.S. has become such a bargain for those whose currencies are stronger than the dollar, Kostner said. Illinois was the sixth most visited state among overseas tourists last year.
Vacationing close to home this year?
Cook County Commissioner Gregg Goslin's mobile office will be at the Palatine Township Senior Center, 721 S. Quentin Road, starting at 8:30 a.m. today to provide resources for enjoying summer in the Chicago area. Items available include the Chicago Botanic Garden's new summer program guide and info on Cook County Forest Preserve District offerings. Staff members will also be on hand to assist residents with county-related matters. For more, call (847) 729-9300.