07/14/2008 – The economic impact of tourism in Kane County grew 6.5 percent to $397.3 million in 2007. McHenry County saw a 4.5 percent increase to $191 million, according to the Travel Industry Association of America.

“Tourism is putting millions of dollars into the economy and helping to create jobs across Chicagoland’s Northern Fox River Valley. The Elgin Area Convention & Visitors Bureau works hard to help create such economic impact across the region. To see such positive and strong growth due to the impact of tourism translates to real dollars coming into the region for the benefit of businesses and residents alike.” states Kimberly Bless, President & CEO, for the Elgin Area Convention and Visitors Bureau. “Going forward, the Elgin Area Convention & Visitors Bureau staff will continue our aggressive promotion of the area and work hard to secure more sports tournaments, meetings and events to ensure tourism remains a significant contributor to the growth of this region.”

Other Relevant Economic Impact

Kane County: Payroll – $97.87 Million (up 4.2%)
Employment – 4,018 (up .6%)
Local Tax Receipts – $8.70 Million (up 6.6%)
State Tax Receipts – $17.87 Million (up 6.2%)

McHenry County: Payroll – $42.33 Million (up 3.7)
Employment – 1,057 (up .1%)
Local Tax Receipts – $6.13 Million (up 4.5%)
State Tax Receipts – $9.70 Million (up 4.2%)

The Bureau has also seen its website traffic increase 139% over 2006 with 562,354 page views in 2007. “Our website has really become a popular tool in our marketing plan because today’s travelers are so educated on the possibilities of the internet that we have to stay on top of our game to service their needs.” states Brent Edwards, Director of Marketing, for the Bureau.

Overall, Illinois moved up to being tied for the 6th most popular U.S. state for overseas travelers in 2007, hosting 1,171,000 overseas visitors, an 8 percent increase over 2006. The City of Chicago was the 9th most popular U.S. city hosting 1,147,000 overseas visitors in 2007, also up 8 percent. Overseas visitation from the United Kingdom was up 10 percent; and 6 percent from Germany.

The Elgin Area Convention and Visitors Bureau serves 13 communities in Chicagoland”s Northern Fox River Valley including Bartlett, Carpentersville, East Dundee, Elgin, Gilberts, Hampshire, Huntley, Lake in the Hills, Marengo, Sleepy Hollow, South Elgin, Union, and West Dundee. Our purpose is to encourage, foster, promote and stimulate conventions and tourism in Chicagoland’s Northern Fox River Valley.

Please contact us at (847) 695-7540 or at www.northernfoxrivervalley.com for more information.

Media Contact:
Elgin Area Convention and Visitors Bureau
77 Riverside Drive
Elgin, IL 60120
(800) 217-5362 or (847) 695-7540

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