Peoria has seen a 4.4 percent increase from 2017 and 2018 of people traveling to the area for events and experiences.
J.D. Dalfonso, President of the Peoria Area Business and Convention Bureau tells WMBD’s Greg and Dan that number is a huge increase.
“That is significant, and it’s really something to be celebrated,” Dalfonso said. “We saw $16 million in local tax receipts come in”.
Dalfonso said that Illinois over the past 11 years has seen continued growth.
The increase in tourism supports Peoria businesses.
On top of events happening downtown that draw large crowds, the Peoria Civic Center is hosting bigger shows that draw people from different states.
“There is a buzz around town about the Civic Center, and that’s great to see,” Dalfonso said. “What the team over there at the Civic Center has been doing has been great stuff and bringing entertainment”.
Restaurants around the area are also having record years from downtown to the Levee District.
“Because of what they’re bring in for shows, and what entertainment is being brought in,” Dalfonso said.
Having an area that highlights its uniqueness to live, work, and have a family, will bring in more tourism.
“It all translates into a great place to visit,” Dalfosno said.
