PEORIA, Sick. – Shattering data.

That’s what Illinois Governor JB Pritzker mentioned in regards to the state’s tourism efforts, whereas talking Wednesday on the Governor’s Convention on Journey and Tourism on the Peoria Civic Middle.

“Final 12 months alone, I feel you realize Illinois’ lodge trade set a report of $5.5 billion in income, for a complete tourism trade financial affect of $78 billion, simply right here within the State of Illinois,” Pritzker informed convention attendees.

Pritzker – referred to by Uncover Peoria’s JD Dalfanso because the “Chief Advertising Officer” of the state – says the brand new “Illinois: within the Center of All the things” marketing campaign definitely helped, however native tourism leaders weathered the pandemic storm very nicely.

“The tourism trade, maybe greater than every other, has seen dramatic highs and lows over the last 5 years,” mentioned Pritzker. “That speaks volumes to the resilience and perseverance of each single individual on this room, and your colleagues across the state and who characterize us around the globe.”

Pritzker claims lots of the individuals who go to Illinois say good issues about everybody they meet.

“They are saying Illinois has a few of the kindest, and most first rate, and hard-working those that they’ve ever had the pleasure to fulfill. “Each single time I hear that sentiment, I’ve to say I’m really, deeply flattered on all of our behalf, however I’m additionally in no way stunned.”

Pritzker’s workplace claims 111 million folks visited Illinois in 2022, spending as a lot as $44 billion whereas right here.