SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (WAND) — While conventions take place year-round in downtown Springfield, things really heat up in the summer. Between July and August, tens of thousands of tourist and convention visitors are expected to make their way to the Capital City.
Visit Springfield Marketing Manager Amy Beadle says the convention industry in Springfield continues to grow.
"The tourism industry in Springfield and Sangamon County produced $563 million last year in tourism revenue," said Beadle. "Right now we're piecing up 5% in total overall hotel revenue, at the end of May this year over last year. And last year, we were up about 33% over the previous year."
Beadle said Springfield has become such a convention destination that they frequently have to turn away groups because there isn't enough space. This influx in visitors makes a huge difference to local businesses that thrive from the extra money spent by tourists.
"It definitely helps out with business and brings in a lot of newcomers," said Kara Small, a server at 6th Street Cafe, which is near many hotels and tourist attractions. "A lot of people will come in and eat and then till their friends and come back again so its helped business a lot."
While the busy season can be hard to manage, Beadle said it can help businesses get ahead on profits before a slow winter season starts. The tourism industry has also helped with several infrastructure projects around the downtown area.
"This is what is driving our economy to be able to redo our streets and put up the transportation hub — all of these things we need to continue to see Springfield improve and advance and be vital," said Beadle. "563 million dollars in tourism revenue is significant to a community of our size."
Beadle hopes the proposed Bank of Springfield Center Expansion will allow her team to organize larger conventions and bring in more money to Springfield.
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