The Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO), Office of Tourism announced Illinois welcomed 112 million domestic and international visitors who spent $47 billion in 2023 – an increase of 1 million visitors and $3 billion in spending from 2022, according to data provided by Tourism Economics. This surge in tourism also led to a new all-time high in hotel tax revenue figures in FY24, totaling $322 million —a 4.5% increase over the previous record set in FY23. In 2023, leisure travelers spent more time exploring Illinois, with overnight leisure stays increasing by 4.3 percent statewide. The city of Chicago, in particular, saw an impressive 19.6% rise in overnight visitors, further highlighting the state’s appeal as a premier destination for both domestic and international tourists. As a result of tourist spending and visits in 2023, the overall economic impact – which includes indirect and induced impacts – amounted to $83 billion, which is a 6.4% increase from 2022 figures. 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. In 2023, visitor spending generated $4.6 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 278,200 jobs in the state’s tourism and hospitality industry, an increase of 7,600 jobs from 2022.