Springfield, IL (KWQC) – According to tourism authorities, the sector is experiencing a slowdown within the state of Illinois. They also warn that the impact of tariffs might bring about even greater challenges.
Recently, industry experts spoke with Illinois lawmakers, stating that hotel occupancy rates along with the count of international tourists are declining.
Keenan Irish, representing the Illinois Hotel and Lodging Association, mentioned that according to a updated projection from Tourism Economics, there will be over a 9 percent drop in international visitors expected for 2025, even as expenses keep increasing.
“The main issues hotels encounter include labor costs, which have surged more than 30% since 2019,” Irish stated. “Additionally, borrowing expenses have almost doubled, insurance rates keep increasing, and the prices of supplies and materials have reached all-time highs.”
Cory Jobe from the Great Rivers and Routes Tourism Bureau stated that it is crucial for Illinois to boost its tourism promotion efforts as 2026 will be a significant year.
Next year, North America will host soccer’s World Cup, with games taking place throughout the United States,” Jobe stated. “2026 marks both America’s 250th anniversary and the hundred-year celebration of Route 66.
The president and CEO of Visit Quad Cities, Dave Herrell, released a statement.
Quad Cities tourism officials are carefully tracking developments related to global travel,” stated Dave Herrell, President and CEO of Visit Quad Cities. “Local, state, and national policymakers must recognize how their decisions affect incoming tourists—specifically with regard to reduced numbers from overseas.” He emphasized that attracting foreign guests remains crucial both presently and moving forward since destinations such as Canada, Mexico, Germany, Brazil, the UK, India, among others, play key roles in boosting various types of visits including groups, corporate events, and recreational trips.
Herrell added that Visit Quad Cities plans to participate in the upcoming U.S. Travel Association’s IPW conference set for this June in Chicago. The objective here would be to emphasize to representatives from over seventy nations that they’re encouraged to explore the region. According to data, these international travelers typically extend stays and contribute significantly higher expenditures compared to domestic counterparts. However, current figures remain notably lower than pre-pandemic norms anticipated only to worsen further ahead. In fact, last year saw approximately 72.4 million foreigners visiting America; yet projections suggest a substantial drop-off heading into next year which could negatively influence economic gains tied directly to tourist dollars spent locally.Dave Herrell, Explore Quad Cities
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