Record Numbers Visited Rockford Area In 2013

You might not think of the Rockford area as a tourism mecca, but the numbers say there are an incredible number of people visiting the region. In fact, in 2013 a record numbers of tourists made their way to Winnebago County.

In total, area sites and attractions welcomed about 6.7 million visitors in 2013, up about 1 percent over 2012. Those tourists spent nearly $320 million at area hotels, restaurants and other retail businesses. That's according to the Illinois Office of Tourism.

And remember, the increase in visitors comes despite the cancelation of the "On the Waterfront" festival and the one-year break from the annual Rockford Airfest due to federal sequestration. Officials with the Rockford Area Convention and Visitors Bureau say an increase in the total number of events in the region helped make up the difference. Among those making a debut in 2013 were:

• New “Stroll on State” holiday event brought more than 30,000 to downtown Rockford on November 30 to kickoff the holiday season.

• The region hosted its first national lacrosse tournament and attracted more than 3,000 players, coaches and fans over a June weekend.

• Rock Valley College hosted a new robotics competition, drawing 400 students from 20 robotics teams in the Midwest. The event, Rock River Off-Season Region, grew in its second year and drew 600 participants.

Here's a great recap video of the inaugural "Stroll on State":

Officials expect a big year again in 2014. They say through June, hotel occupancy is up 12.8 percent compared to this time last year. The Kenneth & Phyllis Laurent House, designed by Frank Lloyd Wright, held a grand opening on June 6. and is expected to draw 10,000 visitors annually. Plus the return of Airfest to the Rockford Airport will add to the visitor total too.