2019 a record year for Aurora Area tourism

Tourism is a $213 million industry in the Aurora Area of Illinois.

Visitor spending on lodging, gas, dining, and other travel related expenditures in the region increased 5.7% in 2019, representing the fifth consecutive year of growth for this and other measures reported by the U.S. Travel Association and the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity.

Tourism related spending also led to a 7% increase in local tax receipts collected in the portions of Kane, Kendall, and DuPage Counties serviced by the Aurora Area Convention & Visitors Bureau, as well as a 10.8% increase in state tax receipts.

"The 2019 economic data confirms the important impact of travel and tourism to the ten-community region that makes up the service area of the Aurora Area Convention & Visitors Bureau," said Cort Carlson, executive director of the Aurora Area CVB.

"Continued growth in the market attests to the development of the region as a viable visitor destination, and its great appeal to travelers," Carlson said. "Whether it is for a family or couples' escape, theater or shopping getaway, athletic competition, group tour or business meeting, the Aurora Area continues to be a strong Midwest travel location."

These numbers are supported by the Aurora Area CVB's regional lodging reports which reflect an increase in hotel occupancy of 5.8% in 2019. Revenue per available room (RevPAR) was up 3.9% in the same period.

"The staff and board of directors of the Aurora Area CVB are honored to work on behalf of our partners in hospitality," Carlson said. "Tourism drives economic growth to our region by creating jobs, generating local tax revenues, and helping to improve quality of life for the residents of our communities."

Formed in 1987, the Aurora Area Convention and Visitors Bureau is a private, nonprofit organization dedicated to promoting and marketing the area as an overnight destination, increasing visitor awareness, and growing visitor expenditures for the maximum economic benefit of their tourism partners. The goal of the Aurora Area CVB is to enhance the economic and environmental well-being of our region compromised of 10 municipalities: Aurora, Batavia, Big Rock, Hinckley, Montgomery, North Aurora, Oswego, Plano, Sugar Grove, and Yorkville.

The Aurora Area Go Guide, the official visitors publication for the region, is available in print and online at enjoyaurora.com.