Kankakee County, IL –Tourism Economics reported that Kankakee County generated $146.1 million in
visitor expenditures in 2021, which is an increase from $122.6 million in 2020. Covid-19 restrictions
and closures negatively impacted visitor volume throughout 2020, however Kankakee County
experienced a rebound as restrictions eased. Though not quite reaching the 2019 spend of $157.5
million, visitor spending recovered to nearly 93% of 2019 levels.
Tourism within Kankakee County generated $5.6 million in local tax revenue, falling just behind the
$5.7 million generated in 2019.
As a result of visitor spending, thousands of jobs were created across the state in 2021, with 26 of
them in Kankakee County.
“The Kankakee County Convention and Visitors Bureau continues to promote and champion
Kankakee County as an overnight visitor destination,” says Nicole Gavin, Interim Executive Director.
“Tourism helps power the economic engine within our community, generating revenue and also
creating jobs.”
“We diligently work to invite visitors to experience the plentiful and natural outdoor adventures and
unique indoor attractions. We share the rich Midwestern history and invoke nostalgia as we
showcase our quaint towns and communities, and also highlight the modern and urban vibe of our
other can’t-miss destinations. Kankakee County has it all!”
