Monroe County Led Southwestern IL Tourism Growth in 2010

Monroe County once again led the pack of Southwestern Illinois counties in growth of revenues from tourism last year.  The economic impact of tourism in Monroe County totalled $14.2 million, up 10.8 percent from the previous year--the second year in a row in which Monroe led the pack in percentage expansion of revenues. 

The Illinois Department of Commerce & Economic Opportunity (DCEO) has released numbers for the Southwestern Illinois tourism industry showing that visitors to the nine Southwestern Illinois counties generated nearly $907.3 million in local economic impact in 2010. Totals from each of the other counties, compiled by the U.S. Travel Association, included: Bond - $13.8 million, up 3.7 percent; Calhoun- $22.2 million, up 2.5 percent; Clinton - $37 million, up 2.4 percent; Jersey - $51.2 million, up 1.3 percent; Madison - $316.4 million, up 3.4 percent; Randolph - $29.4 million, up 9.4 percent; St. Clair - $408.6 million, up 6.9 percent; and Washington - $14.5 million, up 7.5 percent. 

Nora Feuquay, staff for the Monroe County Economic Development Council (MCEDC), attributes the increase to the activities of tourism related groups in the county such as CLIFFTOP, the Monroe County History Museum, and the Peterstown House as well as the efforts of local municipalities in supporting their businesses and tourism activities.  "Many of these groups are doing a great job promoting themselves via websites and social media," Feuquay observes. 

The MCEDC Tourism Subcommittee also continues to work on getting tourism information on the county website while building a tourism theme for the county and, eventually, the region.  What's next?  Cooperation between the county and municipalities to support the new Monroe County Welcome Center will further enhance growth of tourism in the area.