(The Center Square) – Tourism officials say the industry is slowing down in Illinois and the effects of tariffs could be even more damaging.
According to the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity and the Office of Tourism, 112 million domestic and international visitors spent $47 billion in 2023.
During a recent Illinois Senate Special Committee on Tourism hearing, Keenan Irish, vice president of Government Relations & Member Engagement with the Illinois Hotel and Lodging Association, said Illinois saw a year-over-year decline in occupancy in January, and now the industry is concerned about tariffs.
“If certain economic measures increase the cost of goods, our members are reporting that planned renovation projects would be adjusted, delayed, or require more expensive financing,” said Irish.
Irish noted that during the first quarter of 2025, Chicago had the lowest occupancy rates out of the top 10 convention markets, and a revised forecast from Tourism Economics shows an over 9% decline in international arrivals for the rest of the year.
Cory Jobe with the Great Rivers and Routes Tourism Bureau in the Metro East said it is a critical time for Illinois to increase its tourism promotional efforts because 2026 is going to be a huge year.
“Next year, North America is hosting soccer’s World Cup, with matches being held across the United States, 2026 is also America’s birthday, the centennial year of Route 66 which starts in Chicago and we have 301 miles in Illinois and many more events,” said Jobe.
Lawmakers are considering legislation that, in fiscal year 2026 and thereafter, the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity would require that any convention and tourism bureau receiving a grant from the Local Tourism Fund that requires matching funds shall provide matching funds equal to no less than 25% of the grant amount.
