Tourism spending, employment grows in Lake County

Visitor spending in Lake County grew about 1 percent to $1.3 billion last year, while tourism-related employment rose 2.5 percent, according to a new report from Visit Lake County.

Local tax receipts increased to more than $29.5 million, a 5.6 percent hike from 2015's $28 million, the report from the Lake County's official tourism bureau states.

“The increase in travel spending is good news for Lake County,” Visit Lake County President Maureen Riedy said in an announcement of the figures. “Tourism plays a vital role in the positive image and economic growth of the county and provides valuable jobs.”

Lake County ranks third in the state for visitor spending, behind Cook and DuPage counties.

Overall, visitors to Illinois last year spent $37.9 billion, up $571 million from 2015. The numbers, provided by the U.S. Travel Association, are preliminary. Final visitor statistics will be available later this year.