Natural McHenry County (NMC) told the Finance and Audit Committee that countywide visitor spending rose 2.7% in 2024 compared with 2023, and that related local tax receipts were up about 4.5%. NMC reported growth in labor payments to local tourism employees and ranked McHenry County 13th among Illinois counties for visitor spending.

NMC said the county showed the second-largest year‑over‑year percent increase among the top 20 counties, behind Chicago. Staff emphasized that visitor spending growth occurred without competing with some of the state’s larger destination counties, and highlighted the economic benefit of local tourism businesses, festivals and historic venues.

NMC also presented and said the organization’s board approved a new three‑year strategic plan focused on promoting authentic local experiences and enhancing partnerships with municipalities, schools and workforce programs; NMC noted growing municipal support at a $10,000 membership level from communities such as Algonquin, Cary and Harvard.

The NMC representative invited committee members to the organization’s 20th‑anniversary dinner on Oct. 2 at the Woodstock courthouse visitor center and asked the county to continue partnership for marketing and visitor services.

Ending — NMC’s report demonstrated modest growth in tourism economic impact for 2024 and framed several partnership opportunities for the county to consider as it weighs budget priorities.