DuPage County sees growth in tourism spending

Meetings and conventions remain an important component to the DuPage economy. Business and leisure visitation throughout DuPage in 2018 contributed to a 4.6% increase in visitor spending to $2.7 billion; 8.8% increase in state tax revenue to $174 million; 3.1% increase in local tax revenue to $48 million and a .9% increase in tourism-related employment to 23,500 employees, over the previous year, respectively. The growth represents a savings of approximately $1,300 per year in taxes for the average DuPage County household.

Through the impact of travel, the DuPage CVB helps strengthen the county by creating economic, cultural and personal opportunities for its nearly one million residents and hundreds of businesses. "What we do is the tourism sector of economic development, and what we do at any given point and time is purely for the future of DuPage County," said Beth Marchetti, executive director of the DuPage CVB. "While visitor spending, tax revenue and jobs continue to grow, so too does the competition - locally and regionally. Our efforts these last few years have been focused on doing more."

For example, the organization's Tourism Master Plan was developed with DuPage communities in mind, specifically to identify and implement the right kind of initiatives that create greater prosperity and growth for the county. The plan features an enhanced promotional program that targets new audiences regionally and nationally, similar to "Pure Michigan" and an aggressive strategy to secure larger and high-quality meetings and conferences through an expansion of the Tourism Grant Fund.

Earlier this year the DuPage Sports Commission was launched to capitalize on one of the fastest growing sectors in the travel industry.

"DuPage has a solid foundation of sports events that generate visitation and economic impact for communities throughout DuPage," said Marchetti. "Investing in sports tourism is an opportunity to further build upon the already significant legacy of sports in DuPage. With the continued growth in amateur sports, the significant investments in new facilities, including the FMC Natatorium at Ty Warner Park in Westmont, and the soccer fields in Oak Brook, we are on the right path to continue this legacy."

The DuPage CVB continues to strategically advance 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.

Planners are encouraged to get out of the boardroom and explore the outdoors. DuPage offers hundreds of miles of trails, untapped outdoor adventures, and special places open for exploration. The DuPage CVB's Natural Wanders campaign highlights 11 unique experiences to explore in nature-based locations throughout DuPage.

In the summer of 2020 meeting attendees will have a unique opportunity to attend the Frida Kahlo exhibit presented by the Cleve Carney Art Gallery at the McAninch Arts Center in partnership with College of DuPage. The DuPage CVB will continue to work with meeting planners to offer this once-in-a-lifetime off-site experience.

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 offers over two million square feet of combined meeting space, over 16,000 hotel rooms, major expo facilities, and high-tech conference centers.

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 www.discoverdupage.com.

• Beth Marchetti is executive director of the DuPage CVB.