One sector that will benefit greatly from the return of the fair is the hotel industry. “The Illinois State Fair generates 15,000 hotel room nights and generates millions of dollars in economic spending annually,” said Scott Dahl, director of Visit Springfield.
The first weekend of the Illinois State Fair results in a “citywide sell-out” of hotel rooms, said Justin Roesch, director of sales at Comfort Inn & Suites. The Comfort Inn & Suites, 3675 S. Sixth St., will be sold out for about two and a half months from August 12-14, said Roesch. August 11th and 15th are also more booked than usual.
In addition to trade fair visitors, Roesch said that long-term hotels have seen higher capacities due to their room kitchens. National Guard members and traveling nurses also filled many rooms for extended stays during the pandemic.
However, according to Roesch, most hotels are currently understaffed in the housekeeping and reception area. “It was just a bit of a fight,” he said. In order to cope with the influx of guests who come to the state fair, everyone, from management to the rest of the staff, has taken on the reception tasks.
“Everyone has made themselves really strong and helped each other where it was needed while we try to hire more people,” said Roesch. -Meredith Howard
