Travel and tourism strengthen the regional destination Quad Cities. This is a standout point as the ability of travel to recover from tough economic times – and bring much-needed revenue to the Quad Cities along with the economies of Iowa and Illinois – is the theme of this year’s National Travel and Tourism Week (#NTTW) is. is the power of travel.
From May 2nd to May 8th, NTTW is taking place, kickstarting the US travel industry. This is the 38th year of the weeklong reminder of how valuable tourism is to our economy and the many sectors it positively affects. Community building and the culture of communities are largely shaped by the direct results of what tourism brings to the table and creates conversation. Tourism and overseas revenue are the fuel the Quad Cities regional economy needs. Always was and always will be.
Nationally, travel generated an economic output of $ 2.6 trillion, supported 17 million American jobs and posted a trade surplus of $ 51 billion in the US prepandemic. In 2019, our region generated $ 954 million in visitor spend in Rock Island and Scott counties, according to the US Travel Association and Tourism Economics. This was a record achievement for our travel destination. Illinois and Iowa combined spent $ 55 billion in national and international visitor spending and supported 415,173 jobs. We must work very hard to get back to that level as it means jobs, revenue and identity for the Quad Cities. Mark my words we will recover, but it will take a few years, more collaboration, sweat and resources.
