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| Illinois Tourism Strong Despite Recession, New Promotion Beginning Soon |
Tourism remains big business in Illinois despite the economic recession.
Illinois Bureau of Tourism Deputy Director Jan Kostner knows the 2008 numbers, to be released in May, won't top those from 2007. But, she says the 200th anniversary of Abraham Lincoln's birth and the election of President Barack Obama were big tourist draws last year and should help.
Kostner says tourism is no stranger to the current economic woes and the industry in Illinois is still strong.
"The state of tourism is good, but we're faced with some challenges just like any industry because of the economic climate in the United States."
Illinois welcomed about 89 million domestic visitors in 2007. They spent close to $30-billion, which was a 5.8 percent increase over 2006. Kostner says the economic impact of tourism directly generated more than 305,000 jobs within Illinois in 2007, an increase of 3,940 new jobs which represented 5.1 percent of total non-farm employment in the state.
Kostner says she highlighted some of the plans to draw tourists to Illinois recently during the annual Governor's Conference on Tourism. She says the state is marketing affordable getaways and is putting the message out that it's okay to take time off to travel.
Illinois is launching a brand new marketing campaign this month called "Perfect Match: There's a Getaway for That" to attract travelers by showing them their perfect getaway awaiting them. Details about the promotion are available on bureau's website at www.enjoyillinois.com. |
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| 03 13 09 by Newsroom |
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