Kankakee, IL — Tourism in Kankakee County continues to be a steady contributor to the local economy, with new data showing resilience despite a slight dip in visitor spending last year.
According to the Illinois Office of Tourism and Tourism Economics, visitors spent $166.9 million in Kankakee County during 2024, fueling small businesses, restaurants, lodging and attractions. The sector also supported 1,247 hospitality-related jobs and generated more than $6.8 million in local tax revenue, which helps fund schools, roads and public safety.
“Tourism is more than welcoming visitors – it’s about sustaining our communities,” said Nicole Gavin, executive director of Visit Kankakee County. “Every festival ticket purchased, every overnight stay, every dinner out, each fill-up at the gas pump contributes to the strength of our economy. These numbers show that tourism is an integral part of Kankakee County.”
Industry data showed mixed results in 2024. Hotel occupancy rates in the county rose to 61% compared with 51% in 2023, while short-term rental occupancy also increased slightly, from 45% to 47%. Jobs tied directly to tourism saw a small gain, moving from 1,239 to 1,247, while labor income climbed from $41.2 million to $41.9 million.
Visitor spending, however, dipped by 0.5% from 2023 levels, though officials noted the decrease was less than one percent — a sign of stability in a year when many Illinois counties saw larger swings. Across the state, only 31% of counties reported spending growth.
“Stability matters,” Gavin said. “While some regions saw steep drops or moderate jumps, our consistent performance means Kankakee County businesses and workers can count on tourism as a reliable economic engine.”
Top draws for visitors continue to include outdoor recreation at Kankakee River State Park, scuba diving at Haigh Quarry, golf, and annual events such as the Kankakee River Valley Regatta and Shoe Fest.
This article was produced by a journalist and may include AI-assisted input. All content is reviewed for accuracy and fairness.
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