Visit Lake County Celebrates 40 Years of Fabulous at Annual Luncheon

FOR IMMEDIATE DISTRIBUTION
September 6, 2024

Contact: Jonathan Jones 
Director of Marketing, Visit Lake County
847-662-3231
jonathan@lakecounty.org

Illinois Economic Impact Report Highlights Travel and Tourism Success in Lake County
Visit Lake County Celebrates 40 Years of Fabulous at Annual Luncheon

GURNEE, IL – The latest Economic Impact Report for Illinois reveals significant growth in the travel and tourism sector, with Lake County standing out as a major contributor. Visitor spending in Lake County soared to $1.9 billion, supporting 15,713 jobs and generating $68.6 million in local tax receipts. Hotel occupancy rates increased to 59.5%, up 4.2% year-over-year, highlighting the region's rising appeal. State tax receipts from tourism-related activities brought in an impressive $134 million.

This exceptional performance was celebrated on Thursday at Visit Lake County's Annual Luncheon at Independence Grove Forest Preserve in Libertyville. The luncheon marked the 40th anniversary of the Gurnee-based Lake County, Illinois Convention and Visitors Bureau (CVB), with the theme "40 Years of Fabulous. Vision. Fun. Impact." The event achieved record-breaking attendance, drawing over 250 tourism industry leaders, local officials and community attractions and hospitality businesses.

The luncheon provided a valuable platform for networking and collaboration, as attendees discussed initiatives to further elevate Lake County as a must-visit destination. Keynote speaker Daniel Thomas, Deputy Director of the Illinois Office of Tourism (IOT), addressed the audience, sharing insights on the state’s marketing initiatives, the economic impact of Illinois tourism and the state's upcoming fall campaign.

"These numbers tell a powerful story of Lake County's resilience and growing appeal," said Maureen Riedy, President of Visit Lake County. "Our 40th anniversary is a momentous occasion, and we're thrilled to celebrate our achievements with the community, our partners and everyone who has supported us throughout the years."

Over the past year, Visit Lake County has expanded its outreach, welcoming new community partners, including the City of North Chicago and the Village of Wauconda. The CVB has also been awarded the prestigious Destination Marketing Reaccreditation (DMAP), recognizing its commitment to operational and marketing excellence.

Visit Lake County's efforts have been bolstered by multiple successful campaigns, including the Road Trip Summer Campaign, Spooks and Spirits Lake County Autumn Celebration, February Flavor Festival, and Holiday Your Way. The CVB generated 432 group sales referrals and confirmed 296 contracts, contributing to the county's strong tourism performance.

Digital engagement also saw significant growth, with 2.5 million website page views and a 5% year-over-year increase in social media engagement, totaling 1.5 million interactions.

Visit Lake County embraces diversity with respect to all individuals. This commitment and mindset form the foundation of their daily operations as they provide the highest-quality travel resources and visitor experiences, which enhance community well-being and support local livelihoods. Their marketing initiatives and branding efforts improve the public image of Lake County as a vibrant place to live, work, and visit. They encourage both residents and visitors to support local businesses, which are the cornerstone of their hometowns and Lake County communities. The organization employs a team of professionals with extensive experience in tourism, marketing, and sales. Additionally, a 17-member Visit Lake County Board of Directors, representing community partners, hotels, and attractions from across the county, supports their efforts. For travel information and to connect with Visit Lake County, individuals can call 800-LAKE-NOW, visit visitlakecounty.org, or engage on social media platforms such as Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube.

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Photos by Janelle Rominski