Caterpillar Visitors Center expected to increase local and state tourism

Eighty-seven days out from the Caterpillar Visitors Center’s grand opening, the Illinois Office of Tourism visited the site Wednesday to highlight the role it will play in attracting tourists to the Peoria area and state.

In 2011, tourism generated a record $32 billion in Illinois, with $295 million of that spent in Peoria, a 10 percent increase from 2010. 

Deputy Director of the Illinois Office of Tourism Jan Kostner said she expects the Caterpillar Visitors Center will boost both local and state tourism in 2012 and beyond.

"I think it can draw more people to the area, more overnight visitors. It may also draw more jobs and maybe other smaller businesses to service those visitors," Kostner said.

Tourism officials also toured the 50,000-square-foot-facility and saw an almost-complete Cat 797 Mining Truck and interactive exhibits telling the global Caterpillar story beginning to take shape.

The Caterpillar Visitors Center will open Oct. 20.

Click below for media coverage of the event, including photos and video from the tour:
Cat offers sneak preview of its visitors center
Cat Visitors Center and Riverfront Museum expected to boost tourism
State applauds progress and potential of Cat Visitors Center
State tourism officials highlight projects in Peoria