Did you make it to the Northwest Illinois Air Show this past Saturday? If you did, you weren’t alone! The air show brought more than 1,800 people to the Freeport Albertus Airport to enjoy aerial acrobatics, stunt teams, and other high-flying acts. More importantly, 50 percent of those who attended the air show traveled from outside of Stephenson County. What a great draw of visitors to our area! Similarly, the Partnership will host Pretzel City Brewfest this Saturday, September 28 with ticket purchases from as far away as Milwaukee, Des Moines, and Decatur.
In addition to paying for their ticket for admission to these events, visitors stop at gas stations, eat at local food trucks and restaurants, and stay in hotels. Tourism spending isn’t just about the hotel/motel and sales tax dollars received by our local municipalities, but about the money that is spent with our local businesses! In 2023, visitors dropped $52 million in tourism spending in Stephenson County – that accounts for revenue to restaurants, hotels, retail and shopping venues, and attractions. So many local businesses benefit from tourism spending!
While the Partnership hosts and promotes a variety of events in Freeport and Stephenson County for the purpose of entertainment and community engagement, tourism events like the Northwest Illinois Air Show and Pretzel City Brewfest have the greatest economic impact.
Visitors ARE undeniably travelling to Stephenson County for events, attractions, and other personal and business travel. Now, it is up to each partner and business to prioritize accommodating hours of operation, aesthetically appealing spaces, and the proud, welcoming smiles or our residents and employees.
Tourism events and marketing campaigns are meeting their goals to hook the visitor’s interest in Freeport and Stephenson County. Working together to provide the very best experience during their visit will ensure they return. When our visitors are greeted with well-kept spaces, warm and welcoming faces, and able to purchase the goods and services they need, we’ve caught a return visitor (or future resident) hook, line, and sinker.
Nicole Haas, MIOP is the brand director for the Greater Freeport Partnership. She can be reached at nhaas@greaterfreeport.com or 815-801-3676
