The Danville Area Visitors’ Bureau has released the results of an economic impact study, commissioned on an annual basis by the IL Dept of Commerce and Economic Opportunity/ Bureau of Tourism on declining tourism numbers.

“Covid 19 has impacted the travel industry in a way we have never seen before.” said Jeanie Cooke, (Executive Director). ”Overall spending by non-residents in Danville/Vermilion County dropped 13.3 million dollars in one year, going from $97.4 million in 2019 to $84.1 million in 2020. Lodging, food and beverage, recreation, retail, and transportation (includes motor fuel) were all impacted. The hardest hit was transportation, dropping from 2019’s 45.2 million to 2020’s 39.7 million. Lodging followed with a 3.8 million decrease, while food and beverage dropped 1.8 million. Retail posted a 6.1 million dollar decline rounding off from 7.1 to 6.1.

“Since the start of the state’s Certified Convention & Visitors’ Bureau program in 1984, tourism has provided a steady source of income for our community.” said Cooke. “It will be a slow climb back as travel returns, and our source of funding, derived from hotel/motel tax begins to rise and be re-reinvested back into the industry to ensure growth. Visitors represent much more than just cash in our pockets. It is first-time jobs and careers at all levels. It is capital investment, taxes, quality of life, preservation, revitalization, and sharing our sense of place.”