Tourism officials released 2018 local impact numbers this week indicating another year of growth for tourism in the Aurora Area of Illinois.
Visitors to the Aurora Area spent $201.5 Million on lodging, gas, dining, and other travel-related expenditures in 2018, a 3.7% increase over the prior year, representing the fourth consecutive year of growth for this and other measures reported by the U.S. Travel Association and Illinois Office of Tourism.
Tourism related-spending led to a four percent increase in local tax receipts collected in the portions of Kane, Kendall, and DuPage Counties serviced by the Aurora Area Convention & Visitors Bureau (CVB), as well as a 9.6% increase in State tax receipts.
These numbers are supported by the Aurora Area CVB’s regional lodging reports which reflect an increase in hotel occupancy of approximately two percent in 2018. Average daily rates (ADR) for Aurora Area hotels increased 3.4% and revenue per available room (RevPAR) was up 5.2% in the same period.
“Tourism growth in the Aurora Area reflects the benefit of the regional marketing efforts and strength gained through partnership and cooperation,” said Cort Carlson, executive director of the Aurora Area CVB.
“The Aurora Area Convention and Visitors Bureau is fortunate to have a strong network of municipal partners who understand the economic development benefits of tourism, as well as a diverse product base that continues to attract new and repeat visitors year after year.”
In a July press release, governor JB Pritzker announced record tourism growth for Illinois. More than 117 Million visitors came to Illinois in 2018, to set a record number of visitors to the State.
The Aurora Area contributes to Illinois’ tourism growth with its collection of outstanding attractions, including Chicago Premium Outlets, Raging Waves Waterpark, Farnsworth House, and Paramount Theatre, the latter which boasts the second-largest subscription base of any theater in the Nation, as well as a robust sales effort that brings thousands of youth and amateur sports event attendees to the Stuart Sports Complex, a Fox Valley Park District property, and various competition sites throughout the region.
“The partnership we have developed with the Fox Valley Park District is vital to the organization’s sales and marketing efforts in driving overnight stays to Aurora Area hotels,” said Carlson.
Fast facts about Aurora Area tourism:
• Tourism expenditures grew 3.7% in 2018, more than $201 Million spent by visitors to the region;
• Aurora Area tourism supports more than 1,500 jobs;
• Tourism to the Aurora Area contributed $3.88 Million to local taxing bodies.
Fast facts about Illinois tourism:
• State tourism marketing efforts return $271 for every dollar invested;
• 2018 is the eighth consecutive year of record tourism growth in Illinois;
• In the past 10 years, domestic travel to Illinois has increased by 26 Million visitors;
• More than 80% of Illinois visitors are leisure travelers.
Formed in 1987, the Aurora Area Convention and Visitors Bureau (CVB) is a private, non-profit organization dedicated to promoting and marketing the area as an overnight destination, increasing visitor awareness, and growing visitor expenditures for the maximum economic benefit of our tourism partners. The goal of the Aurora Area CVB is to enhance the economic and environmental well-being of our region compromised of 10 municipalities: Aurora, Batavia, Big Rock, Hinckley, Montgomery, North Aurora, Oswego, Plano, Sugar Grove, and Yorkville.
— Aurora Area Convention & Visitors Bureau