Tourism reached record levels in Quad Cities this year, generating over $1.37 billion for the local economy through hotel bookings, event attendance and trips. Supporting more than 9,300 jobs, residents are seeing boosted tax revenue and employment opportunities.
New buildings like the TBK Bank Sports Complex and Iron Tee Golf became major attractions, drawing in visitors for longer stays. This tourism boom has led to new developments, including new recreational facilities, expanded retail stores and additional dining options that attract even more visitors.
Many local students have started noticing these changes not only in tourism but in the entire county. “I never realized how much tourism could impact us. It feels like it was just yesterday the TBK was just being built,” said junior Vrayas Pila. “It feels like the Quad Cities is finally getting attention, and that’s great as more people can find jobs.” These new businesses mean more spending and increased the Quad Cities’ revenue.
The QC metropolitan area has seen a 5% increase in visitor spending from 2023, with Rock Island and Scott County surpassing state averages in Illinois and Iowa. Dave Herrell, President of Visit Quad Cities, emphasized the importance of this tourism surge. “It is a key driver for our regional economy, and the growth we are seeing translates into more funding for community services, parks, and other amenities that benefit everyone,” stated Herrell in a recent statement.
Students had many perspectives on the earnings report but most agreed that it was the start of a new era. “It’s exciting because there are more new local events and in general more people around,” explained senior Reetham Gubba. He also noted that the exponential growth meant that the Quad Cities’ expansion wouldn’t slow down anytime soon.
Visit Quad Cities anticipates that continued investment in tourism, marketing and local events will sustain the tourist influx, bringing lasting benefits to Quad Cities residents through improved services, expanded job opportunities and an overall boost in quality of life. The Quad Cities might even be a major destination for the states of Iowa and Illinois.
