The Danville Area Convention and Visitors' Bureau is pleased to announce the results of the yearly economic impact study, prepared for the Illinois Office of Tourism by the U.S. Travel Association.

Spending by visitors in Danville/Vermilion County topped $78 million, up 3.2% over the previous year. The impact tourism has on the area's economy is significant, and we have seen an increase in every category. Local payroll is up 2.7%, and local tax receipts are up 4.7% at $1.78 million. Since 1984, tourism has provided a steady source of income to Vermilion County, and we continue to rank in the top 25% of 102 Illinois counties.

The return on investment in the industry, however, represents much more than money in the bank. It is first-time jobs and careers at all levels, it's entrepreneurial spirit at its best, it's capital investment and taxes, it's quality of life, preservation, revitalization and sharing the celebration of our sense of place with others.

The U.S. Travel Industry study is done for each county in Illinois. It is the only independent study done yearly over an extended number of years using the same model, so we have a fair growth comparison and an excellent year-by-year benchmark. In 1991, visitor's expenditures were $30.01 million in Vermilion County. In 2012, they were $78.01 million.