Unlocking the Advantages of Tourism for Local Economies

One of the clearest benefits of tourism is its role as a reliable job generator. In Suburban Cook County, the tourism and hospitality sector accounted for 136,368 jobs in 2024, with 3.1% projected growth by 2028. These roles span restaurants, hotels, event venues and cultural sites — positions that directly depend on visitor activity.

The accommodations sector alone supports 13,884 jobs in Cook County, with strong projected job growth across the industry: 5.4% by 2028. Whether someone is starting their career or seeking a new path, this industry delivers access and upward mobility in a wide range of roles, from food and beverage service to management and administration.

Tourism isn't just about volume, it's about value. Jobs in this sector often come with competitive compensation and benefits, fueling household spending and community reinvestment.

• Accommodations: Average earnings reach $63,717 per job, including $7,255 in benefits.
• Arts, Entertainment & Recreation: Employees earn $64,633 on average, including $8,798 in benefits.
• Food Service: Even traditionally lower-paid roles earn $37,131 on average, including $4,269 in benefits.

These wages support not just the worker but the businesses, schools and services that surround them.

One of the underrated advantages of tourism-industry growth is how it fuels small businesses. From locally owned cafes and artisan shops to performance venues and service providers, tourism keeps foot traffic — and revenue — flowing through the heart of a community.

In Suburban Cook County alone, over 31,000 tourism-related job postings went up in 2024, which signals consistent demand and continued reinvestment. That steady churn of economic activity strengthens tax bases, attracts new development and encourages public-private partnerships that upgrade community assets.

The benefits of tourism extend into streetscapes, transportation networks and civic spaces. When a destination invests in trails, signage, transit and public amenities, those upgrades benefit both visitors and residents.

Tourism-driven infrastructure projects can increase accessibility, safety and community pride. In Cook County, the scope of tourism across food service, entertainment and accommodations has made infrastructure a central consideration for long-term planning.

Tourism supports a range of occupations, allowing people to enter at various skill levels and grow over time. According to Suburban Cook County data, top hiring fields across the tourism and hospitality sector include:

• Food preparation and serving-related occupations
• Management occupations
• Office and administrative support occupations
• Sales and related occupations
• Building and grounds cleaning and maintenance occupations

This diversity creates opportunities for both entry-level workers and seasoned professionals — particularly in roles that don’t always require a four-year degree.

As destinations become more intentional about tourism and its impacts on local communities, the emphasis is shifting toward sustainable, thoughtful growth. Convention and Visitors Bureaus (CVBs) are increasingly focused on balancing visitor demand with local quality of life — encouraging practices that preserve natural resources, respect cultural heritage and reduce seasonal strain. This mindset ensures that tourism continues to benefit the community long after the visitor goes home — by promoting longer stays, off-peak travel and responsible visitor behavior.