MOLINE, Ill. — Visitor spending in the Quad Cities is making a comeback after 2022's numbers surpassed pre-pandemic levels.
Visit Quad Cities announced the milestone on Tuesday, saying tourism spending reached $1.3 billion in 2022, with 2019's numbers at $1.22 billion. This includes overnight stays, day trips, meetings, sporting events, group tours and conventions.
The spending generated a total of $74.38 million in local taxes and $81.49 million in state taxes, according to the tourism organization. 2022 numbers came from the Illinois Office of Tourism and the Iowa Tourism Office.
“Tourism is a leader in economic development for our region and these numbers are proof positive,” Dave Herrell, president and CEO of Visit Quad Cities, said in a press release. “The overall value that non-resident revenues bring to our regional economy is critical for quality of life and to build a tax base that we need for re-investment."
Not only did the growth occur in Rock Island and Scott counties, but the organization also noted growth in the neighboring counties of Mercer, Henry, Clinton and Muscatine.
Find more information on tourism in the Quad Cities and a breakdown of the numbers here.
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