Springfield, IL (CAPITOL CITY NOW) – Tourism is big business in Springfield, bringing in $536 million in 2023. Tourism is tied to 3,500 hospitality jobs in the city and $20 million in local tax revenue. That’s according to Visit Springfield Director Scott Dahl.
Visit Springfield has seen an uptick in international travelers coming to the capital city. In April alone, Dahl said visitors from 40 different countries stopped into the visitor’s center. Route 66 is a big draw. Travelers use Chicago as a gateway and make their way down to Springfield. Once here, he said they realize it’s more than a one-day stop and spend an extra night to take in the Lincoln sites and other attractions.
In addition to advertising Springfield to six key markets within driving distance about 90 miles out, Visit Springfield markets the city to the UK, Mexico, Germany, China, Japan and Canada. Dahl said tourists realize Springfield is affordable and walkable which adds to the city’s appeal.
Sports tourism is a new addition that is expected to bring in significant revenue. As construction of the new Scheels Sports Park at Legacy Pointe progresses, Dahl said sports tourism is expected to bring in an additional 250,000 visitors. “The first large national tournament we hold, Springfield will take notice and wonder why we didn’t get into the game 10 years ago.”
The influx of tournament attendees and participants is expected to increase city-wide hotel occupancy. Dahl said they have had a goal to get the city to 60% since 2019. The pandemic, which hit in 2020, stunted the goal, but Dahl said they ‘ve been “clawing their way back” since, and the city is now trending toward that 60% goal. He said, “We sell 800,000 room nights a year in Springfield. That’s pretty impressive.”
The Memorial Health Championship is another event that has a strong out-of-town draw. Human movement data for the tournament, part of the Korn Ferry Tour, has seen more people coming from outside of a 50-mile radius, according to Dahl. Visit Springfield data indicates the tournament accounts for about 2,000 room nights per year.
History Comes Alive is another initiative of Visit Springfield to boost tourism and provide ways for visitors and locals to enjoy what the city has to offer. Now in its 15th year, the series has some new additions this year.
The historic Dana-Thomas House is celebrating its 120th anniversary. As part of the commemoration, Visit Springfield commissioned local artist Mario Clarke to create 120 glass blown orbs that embrace the spirit of the Dana-Thomas House. Ten locations throughout the city will participate and display the orbs.
Visit Springfield is also making it easier to get around downtown Springfield to see the sites and attractions. A free, hop-on, hop-off trolley service will be available 10 a.m.-4 p.m., Wednesday-Saturday through August 4. For more information on Visit Springfield initiatives and events, go to www.visitspringfieldillinois.com.
