McHenry County Tourism Contributes to Record Tourism Growth in Illinois

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 

Aug. 28, 2025

 MEDIA CONTACT  Jaki Berggren  President & CEO, Naturally McHenry County  jaki@naturallymchenrycounty.com

McHenry County Tourism Contributes to  Record Tourism Growth in Illinois McHenry County generated $16.1 million in local tax revenue and $353.4 million in visitor spending  McHenry County, Ill. – Naturally McHenry County announced today the area generated a local economic impact of $353.4 million and contributed to an increase in visitor spending across Illinois in 2024. In addition, this boost in tourism contributed $16.1 million in local tax revenue while directly supporting 2,195 jobs in the tourism and hospitality industry, according to the latest data provided by Tourism Economics, a global tourism research firm, which measures the number of visitors as well as their impact on Illinois’ economy during the 2024 calendar year.  “I am thrilled to report a significant milestone in our region's growth, with visitor spending reaching $353.4 million in 2024, a 2.7% increase over the previous year." said Jaki Berggren, President & CEO of Naturally McHenry County. “This growth not only underscores the enduring appeal of our community but also highlights the effective collaboration between local businesses, tourism initiatives, and stakeholders. The rise in local taxes by 4.5% to $16.1 million further reflects the positive economic impact of these efforts, strengthening our local economy and supporting essential public services.”  Governor JB Pritzker recently announced that Illinois reached its highest-ever hotel tax revenue f igures in FY25 ($367 million) – a 14% increase over the previous record set in FY24. Illinois welcomed 113 million domestic and international visitors who spent $48.5 billion in 2024 – an increase of 500,000 visitors and $1.3 billion in spending from 2023, according to data provided by Tourism Economics. This tourism surge also led to a new all-time high in hotel tax revenue figures in FY25, totaling $367 million – a 14% increase over the previous record set in FY24. “Illinois has recorded another record-breaking year for tourism, but these are more than numbers: they represent jobs, spending in local economies, and visitors creating lifelong memories in the Middle of Everything,” said Governor JB Pritzker.  “With something for every type of visitor, tourism represents an important part of Illinois’ economy and I’ve made investing in the industry a key priority.  From Chicago to our beautiful state parks, unique towns, historic landmarks, and outdoor adventures, Illinois is proud to welcome visitors from across the globe.”  Economic Impact of Domestic Travel for McHenry County in 2024 Visitor Spending – $353.4 million (2.7% increase from 2023)  Local tax revenue – $16.1 million (4.5% increase from 2023)  Visitor spending supported 2,195 tourism-related jobs in 2024. Fast Facts about Illinois Tourism in 2024  ● Illinois welcomed 113 million domestic and international visitors in 2024, an increase of 500,000 visitors from 2023  ● Visitor spending resulted in $48.5 billion in 2024, an increase of $1.3 billion from 2023  ● State and local tax revenue from visitor spending generated $4.7 billion in 2024  ● Visitor spending supported 282,165 tourism-related jobs, an increase of 3,965 jobs from 2023  ● Illinois reached its highest-ever hotel tax revenue figures in FY25, $367 million – a 14% increase over the previous record set in FY24  Annual economic impact data is provided by Tourism Economics and state hotel revenue collections are provided by the Illinois Department of Revenue. The hotel revenue figures represent all Illinois hotels, motels, and lodging establishment’s taxable revenue.  To learn more about Illinois and to plan an Illinois getaway, visit www.EnjoyIllinois.com and to experience the wonderful place and wide open spaces of McHenry County, Illinois, visit www.NaturallyMcHenryCounty.com.  About Naturally McHenry County We inspire authentic experiences in the wonderful places and wide open spaces of McHenry County.  Naturally McHenry County is the premier destination leader, empowering local communities, businesses, and visitors to thrive together by celebrating our rich heritage, natural beauty, and authentic experiences.  To learn more, visit www.NaturallyMcHenryCounty.com.  About the Illinois Office of Tourism The Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO), Office of Tourism manages industry efforts that result in sustainable and significant economic impact and qualityof-life benefits for Illinois residents.  We are committed to making Illinois a model of inclusivity and celebration of diversity.  To learn more, visit www.EnjoyIllinois.com. THANK YOU TO OUR State & county STRATEGIC PARTNERS