Illinois had a record number of visitors in 2011, with more than 93 million tourists. The state Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity said the state saw an 8.4 percent bump last year, bringing in over $31 billion for the state economy.
On July 17th, Marshall County will settle an issue that has divided the area for months, whether or not to allow the purchase of alcohol within county lines.
Marshall County’s Tourism Board voted last night to support the legalization of alcohol sales in the county. The resolution in an updated version of one passed 10 years ago. It states the tourist commission believes the lack of legal alcohol is hurting tourism in the area. Tourism Director Randy Newcomb says the board needed to take an official stance on the matter. He says,
