DuPage CVB encourages DuPage businesses to DuMore in DuPage

Beth Marchetti, executive director of the DuPage Convention & Visitors Bureau, leads a team of eight whose sales and marketing strategies impact hundreds of businesses, contribute to resident quality of life, and to the County's economy.

Tourism is an essential part of a healthy economy for DuPage, directly benefiting residents and the business community. Business and leisure visitation throughout DuPage in 2017 contributed to a 3 percent increase in visitor spending to $2.6 billion; 9 percent increase in state tax revenue to $160 million; 3 percent increase in local tax revenue to $46 million and a 1.7 percent increase in tourism-related employment over the previous year, respectively. The growth represents a savings of approximately $1,300 per year in taxes for the average DuPage County household.

Marchetti shared that while visitor spending, tax revenue and jobs continue to grow, so too does the competition - locally and regionally.

"The County's million residents and the more than 23,000 employed in the industry that rely on tourism as a vibrant industry remain central to our strategic efforts to grow visitation throughout DuPage County. It is imperative that we must work collectively in order to compete externally. At the end of the day, what we do to attract visitors is economic development."

Marchetti and her team encourage the local business community to host a meeting or event in a location that may be familiar, or completely unexpected, in one of the 38 communities throughout DuPage.

DuPage County can easily accommodate groups of up to 5,000 people with multiple facilities offering exhibit space up to 47,000 square feet. With over 16,000 guest rooms, DuPage County's 100+ hotels and resorts consistently offer a level of luxury, comfort, service and convenience.

The DuPage CVB continues to promote DuPage County as a business and leisure destination by strategically advancing the destination's health and wellness offerings.

Beyond the traditional meeting and event spaces, DuPage boasts a variety of options for those seeking unique, memorable and even healthy events and experiences.

With its mix of urban sophistication and small-town charm, DuPage provides what so many seek - balance.

"DuMore in DuPage isn't just our brand - it's a reflection of the people and places that make DuPage County a special place to not only live, but also to work and play. The many reasons people choose to live in DuPage are the same reasons that influence meeting and event planners to choose DuPage as their destination of choice."

Planners are encouraged to get out of the boardroom and explore the outdoors. For example, the DuPage County trail system includes more than 500 miles of trails, including stretches of the Illinois Prairie Path.

Running, biking or walking along these majestic trails is an alternative to the typical gym setting and can also be a fun and beneficial approach to team building.

Award-winning museums and parks offer inspiration and stunning scenery to complement any type or size meeting/event. Cantigny Park and Danada House, both offer beautiful landscapes, gardens and historical significance.

Attractions such as The Morton Arboretum to higher education settings such as North Central College are unique and equipped to create the right balance, should it be a family reunion or an annual corporate gathering.

The DuPage CVB provides a wide range of complimentary services to planners across a variety of industries - corporate, group tours, military and family reunions, and more. The staff at the

DuPage CVB works to provide affordable experiences while being mindful of the necessary comforts, conveniences and objectives that are expected.

Visitors are never without a multitude of options when it comes to hotel accommodations, dining and shopping, meeting space, and ample recreation opportunities.

For more information, please visit discoverdupage.com.