Resident Sentiment Snapshot

How Locals Feel About Tourism in Galena Country

Tourism plays a powerful role in Jo Daviess County, and residents largely agree it’s a positive one.

According to the Resident Sentiment Survey conducted by Galena Country Tourism in partnership with Longwoods International (Nov. 2024), locals overwhelmingly support tourism and recognize its value to the economy, quality of life, and community identity.

Strong Overall Support

8 in 10 residents believe tourism is good for the community.
7 in 10 want tourism to remain important to Jo Daviess County.
3 in 4 agree the county benefits from a strong tourism industry.
Even though most households (77%) aren’t employed in tourism, support remains high across the board, signaling that residents see its benefits beyond direct jobs.

Growth, But With Balance

Residents favor controlled and well-planned growth:

74% say tourism should be encouraged.
82% believe development must be planned and controlled.
Only 25% feel informed when major tourism projects take place, suggesting a desire for more communication and engagement in the process.

Perception of Galena Country Tourism

Awareness of Galena Country Tourism / Visit Galena is nearly universal; 97% of respondents know the organization.

Among those aware:

74% believe GCT does a good job promoting the area.
50% feel the organization manages tourism development well.
However, only one-third support using public funds for marketing, indicating continued education about funding sources and benefits is needed.

Economic Impact & Concerns

81% agree tourism is vital to the local economy, and 69% say it attracts investment.
Yet, 6 in 10 believe the growth of tourism is raising prices, and 7 in 10 say it’s making housing less affordable.
Half acknowledge tourism tax revenues help offset local taxes, an opportunity for further public education on tourism’s fiscal benefits.

Quality of Life & the Environment

Residents see both perks and pressures:

Half feel their quality of life has improved thanks to tourism.
6 in 10 enjoy more things to do and better shopping and dining options.
85% say tourists add to traffic and parking issues.
3 in 4 believe long-term planning can help minimize environmental impacts, and 71% agree tourists should be better educated about responsible travel.

Community Pride & Engagement

9 in 10 residents are proud to call Jo Daviess County home.
8 in 10 act as informal ambassadors, recommending local experiences to visitors.
3 in 4 welcome tourists warmly, showing that community pride and hospitality remain core to Galena Country’s character.

Top Local Interests

When asked what they enjoy most, residents pointed to:

Food & dining (84%)
Parks & trails (77%)
Events (64%)
Local shopping (62%)

In Short

Jo Daviess County residents are proud, pragmatic, and positive about tourism.
They recognize its vital role in the local economy and community life, but want thoughtful growth, sustainable planning, and continued transparency.

Thank You for Sharing Your Voice

Galena Country Tourism extends heartfelt thanks to every resident who took part in the Resident Sentiment Survey. Your feedback helps guide our work to ensure that tourism continues to enhance—not disrupt—the place we all call home.

We’ve heard you loud and clear. As we move forward, your insights will shape how we market our destination, collaborate with local partners, and make recommendations for thoughtful tourism development across Jo Daviess County.

Together, we’ll keep what makes this place Forever Original, balancing progress with preservation and ensuring Galena Country remains a community we’re all proud to share.

Jo Daviess County Tourism Fast Facts

$333.2 Million Direct visitor spending	$554 Million Overall economic impact	$19.7 Million Total local tax revenues
$79.2 Million In payroll from tourism jobs	3,000 Jobs Tourism employment	$2.2 Millions Hotel/Motel tax revenues

Source: Illinois department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity Impact Study of travel in Jo Daviess County

Tourism Marketing isn’t just about attracting visitors; it’s about cultivating a vibrant community. Revenue generated by visitors directly and indirectly supports government services. Tourism creates and enhances amenities and the quality of life for residents.

Want to learn more?

Watch the video summary and explore the full Resident Sentiment Report.

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