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Illinois Tourism Reached Record Levels Prior to Pandemic
Before COVID-19 and record losses in the industry, Illinois achieved its ninth consecutive year of record tourism growth in 2019. Newly issued data from the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO) and the Illinois Office of Tourism show the state last year welcomed a record 120 million visitors, who spent nearly $43 billion.
“The 2019 tourism numbers demonstrate what we already know: that pre-COVID-19, Illinois offered one of the top destinations for travel in the country,” said DCEO acting director Michael Negron. “Unfortunately, like many industries, tourism looks much different today than it did last year.”
He added that the Pritzker administration is following “a data-driven plan” allowing key economic sectors to gradually reopen. “This public health approach, matched with our strong tourism performance in 2019, offers a strong foundation that will allow Illinois to bring visitors back as soon as it is safe to do so.”
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- ◦Economy
