Local Tourism ##TOP##

Simultaneously, new businesses emerge to add to the community. From dining options to entertainment venues, museums, transportation services, healthcare facilities and beyond, tourism encourages new developments that residents can enjoy year-round.

As new service offerings and businesses emerge in a bustling tourism community, so do employment opportunities. Existing businesses find ways to expand while new ones appear, creating new roles for locals to fill.

Local Tourism

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Industries like hospitality, food service and travel, in particular, produce new job openings. New entrepreneurial opportunities emerge as well. Services like Airbnb empower residents to earn revenue from tourists looking for a comfortable, local place to stay.

The Local Tourism Asset Development Grant Program supports public/private partnerships intended to further the statewide recovery of the tourism, travel, and hospitality industries (Tourism Industry) from the negative economic impact of COVID-19.

The Department of Economic Development (DED) announced that it has awarded a total of $30 million through the Local Tourism Asset Development Grant Program for 26 projects across the state. The program, funded through the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA), is focused on supporting projects that further the recovery of the tourism, travel, and hospitality industries.

Because of the varying travel restrictions, outdoor adventurists are driving to local destinations. According to MMGY Travel Intelligence, 67% of travelers will likely travel by car during the six months. This is twice the amount who plan to take airplanes in that same time frame. Further, one-third of the people who plan to drive to their destination are willing to go 300+ miles one-way. Also, one-fifth of those drivers are willing to travel 500+ miles.

Another idea is to partner with other local businesses to offer a unique package such as hotels, restaurants, breweries, etc. These companies are also looking for ways to engage with local tourists. Offering your outdoor adventure at a discounted rate for travelers who stay at a certain hotel could help bring in new customers. Also, you can offer discounted take-out through local restaurants or partner with a brewery for beer tasting.

The most important thing is to be creative and open to new opportunities. Working with other businesses not only assists your business during this tourism downturn, but it also creates a stronger community in the long run.

Illinois hotel revenue during 2023 fiscal year exceeded highest year on record in FY19, bringing an increase in visitor spending, tax revenue, and local jobs

CHICAGO - Today, Governor JB Pritzker joined the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO), elected officials, and industry leaders to announce that Illinois reached its highest-ever hotel revenue figures in FY23 ($308 million) - surpassing the pre-pandemic record in FY19. Additionally, Illinois welcomed 111 million visitors who spent $44 billion in 2022 - representing 14 million additional travelers spending $12 billion more than calendar year 2021.

"I am proud to announce that in the fiscal year ending June 30, Illinois saw the highest ever hotel revenue numbers. More tourism means millions of new visitors exploring all the amazing things that our state and city have to offer - supporting small businesses and local economies along the way," said Governor JB Pritzker. "Whether you're a life-long resident of the Land of Lincoln looking to explore your own state, or an out-of-town visitor curious to discover the cool entertainment, award winning culinary delights, or all the great local shopping: we're here to welcome you."

"Our highest-ever hospitality revenue is proof that we are truly the middle of everything, and our administration is driven to continue supporting the residents and local economies that make Illinois a world-class destination for tourism," said Lt. Governor Juliana Stratton. "Despite disruptions caused by the pandemic, we bounced back better than ever because every visitor can find something to love in Illinois - and we will keep shining a light on all our great state has to offer."

State hotel revenue collections are provided by the Illinois Department of Revenue. The figure represents all of Illinois' hotels, motels, and lodging establishment's taxable revenue. Additionally, the annual economic impact of visitors is compiled by Tourism Economics and measures the number of visitors as well as their impact on Illinois' economy during the calendar year.

State Hotel Revenues Collected (Measured by Fiscal Year) FY19

It is best practice to receive your information about the current travel policies of your locale via official sources. If where you live is not allowing any non-essential movement then do please respect these restrictions. Also, be mindful to comply with keeping distance between non-household members and wearing the necessary protective equipment.

Travel bloggers are attempting to salvage their views shifting content from itineraries to virtual tourism. Some companies are offering virtual degustations or even at-home virtual travel experiences.

Before this pandemic, the travel industry was concerned with over-tourism. The industry was ready for a shift and it needed it. Travel was quickly becoming very unsustainable as dirt-cheap flights could transport you across Europe for a few days. Cities like Venice and Barcelona were becoming unlivable for locals. In Slovenia, some days locals in Bled were asked not to drive because there were too many tourists.

That depends on who you ask. Some countries completely rely on foreign visitors to sustain their livelihoods. In the Maldives, tourism accounts for 28% of their GDP, in Slovenia, it is around 10%, but in the US it is only around 2.4%. That is a huge difference between countries.

Supporting local businesses helps with something called leakage. This refers to the revenue that is lost once it goes to a foreign-owned business. This can be a hotel, restaurant, or even a tour company. If the company is foreign-based that directly influences where the revenue and taxes of that company go.

In some places, this is a very serious issue that is negatively affecting local populations who are being used to support these businesses. I have good news though! There is something amazing that happens when you decide to support local businesses.

There is this concept in economics called the local multiplier effect. It refers to the additional economic benefits when money is spent locally. It has been documented that a higher percentage of that money will be recirculated in the community. This can be directly through hiring local employees or purchasing local equipment or indirectly if that money is spent at another local business. The third way that the money is recirculated is via employees when they spend their money locally.

A study compared chain stores versus independent ones and the results were shocking. A chain store will recirculate, on average, only 13.6% of revenue while the independent locally-owned stores average 48%.

Aside from more money circulating locally, other studies show that local businesses contribute to greater income growth, more jobs, fewer inequalities, and less strain on public subsidies that large corporations often benefit from.

And it is not just an economic return that should be the goal of supporting local. A very important benefit is the deep connection that a locally-owned business will have with the local community. Research shows that a business can influence the well being of a community, contribute to the social capital, and increase population health (Blanchard et al 2011).

Tourism is a powerful tool for bringing people out of poverty and environmental conservation. Across the world, it is documented that tourism is bringing jobs, especially to rural areas, minorities, and women. It raises awareness for environmental and animal issues and fosters tolerance and understanding between different cultures.

Satisfy your wanderlust by exploring your region. You might be surprised at what you find. Shifting your mindset to recognize the importance and value of supporting local at home and abroad will help support a more sustainable world for everyone.

Thank you as always for taking a moment to read Wandering Helene. Traveling and supporting local is a topic I am very passionate about and a philosophy that guides my adventures. I would love to hear your thought on the topic below and do please feel free to reach out if you need any advice to get started. -Helene

Having everything shut down due to pandemic situation, I started exploring the unexplored sides near my hometown. To my surprise, I realized I had been missing gems in the glare of commercial tourism that I had been doing so far.

Traveling local supports the local people and community.

SPRINGFIELD - Governor JB Pritzker and the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO) today announced 58 awards totaling $6.6 million through the Route 66 ($3.7 million) and Tourism Marketing Grant Programs ($2.9 million) to boost local tourism efforts and attract visitors to drive along the historic Route 66 and Enjoy Illinois.

"Illinois truly is the middle of everything, as perfectly demonstrated by the hundreds of miles of America's highway - Route 66 - that travels through our state," said Governor JB Pritzker. "These grants will stimulate local economies across Illinois and highlight our growing EV sector, honoring the history of Route 66 and looking to the future."

The Route 66 Grant Program is awarding $3.7 million in funding to seven recipients for the development of tourism, education, preservation, and promotion leading up to the 100th Anniversary of Route 66 in 2026. 300 miles of Route 66 weave through Illinois, and Route 66's economic and historical impact is felt firsthand in communities across Illinois. The grantees will help develop and enhance sites along Route 66, with a focus on future transportation and tourism trends such as electric vehicles.

"Illinoisans know our state is not only the best place to live, work and do business, but also the best place to invite friends and family from near and far for a visit," said DCEO Director Kristin A. Richards. "The millions of dollars the State is investing in local tourism promotion and enhancing the historic Route 66 will do wonders for Illinois' tourism industry while boosting local economies and promoting the future of travel."

This funding supports a variety of projects across the state, including the installation of iconic Route 66 signage, pylons, monuments, as well as investments in museums, exhibits, service areas and rest stops. As Illinois' transportation sector evolves to include more electric vehicles (EVs), the projects also focus on building out EV infrastructure and promoting the state's tourism areas as EV destinations.