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 “As we continue to recover from the
economic impacts of COVID-19, my administration is laser-focused on
rebuilding our state’s tourism industry,” said Governor JB Pritzker.
“Today, I am proud to announce that DCEO is launching nearly $3
million in funding for local governments, municipalities,
nonprofits, and more to attract visitors from around the nation—and
the globe—to our great state. We are the Land of Lincoln, the home
state of Obama, and the heart of the Midwest—all while touting the
kindest people you’ll ever meet and, yes, the best pizza you’ll ever
try.”
The Illinois Travel and Tourism Grant Program provides funding for
promotional efforts by local governments, and municipalities,
non-profits and local promotional groups such as Illinois’ Certified
Convention and Visitor Bureaus (CVBs), with the goal of attracting
visitors to destinations, attractions, and events throughout
Illinois. This program is funded by a federal Economic Development
Administration (EDA) grant.
“With hidden gems, world-famous attractions and natural wonders in
every corner of our great state, tourism is a critical part of the
Illinois economy, and this new program will help draw more visitors
to explore all Illinois has to offer,” said DCEO Director Sylvia I.
Garcia. “Under Governor Pritzker’s leadership, the state has
provided unprecedented support for tourism attractions and
festivals, as well as direct support for hospitality businesses that
are a key part of our tourism economy such as restaurants, bars, and
hotels.”
With more than 97.1 million visitors in 2021 spending billions
across the State’s economy, Illinois is a top destination for
visitors with recognition in national travel publications like Condé
Nast Traveler and Time Out who named Chicago the best big city in
the U.S., and CNN who ranked Southern Illinois among the most
underrated travel destinations in U.S.
Through the grant opportunity, the
state will match local funds used to promote destinations,
attractions and events through marketing such as promotional
materials, media production costs, billboards, promotional materials
at trade shows and additional uses outlined in the Notice of Funding
Opportunity (NOFO).
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 The ultimate goal of the program
is to support promotional projects that increase visitation and
overnight stays, thereby fueling the local economies across the
state.
“Illinois has a great story for visitors from around the
country,” said State Sen. Sara Feigenholtz (D-Chicago). “We just
need to get out there and tell it. Marketing dollars available
through DCEO will help convention and visitors' bureaus and
local governments update their pitch and image so that Illinois
is next on everyone's travel list.”
“There is something in Illinois that
is right for everyone, many just don't know it yet,” said State Rep.
Lamont J. Robinson (D-Chicago). “When visitors get a glimpse of what
it will be like to a hike in Shawnee National Forest or a stroll
along Chicago's Lakefront, they'll be on their way.”
“Our events, festivals and attractions are not to be missed and a
critical part of that is raising awareness so folks can visit,” said
State Sen. Cristina Castro (D-Elgin). “This grant opportunity will
help make sure our events are sold out, our hotel rooms are booked,
and our restaurants are filled to the brim. I couldn't be more
excited for communities to take advantage of this opportunity.”
Through a Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) entities can apply
for grants of up to $100,000 for promotional funds. Applications
will be accepted until December 12, 2022. To view the NOFO
and apply for the grant, please visit illinois.gov/dceo and navigate
to the Grant Opportunities page.
DCEO has prioritized local tourism recovery through multiple grant
funding efforts and opportunities, including $25 million for two
rounds of the Tourism Attraction and Festivals Grant Program, $4
million for Route 66 tourism funding, and more than $285 million for
restaurants, hotels and small businesses in the tourism/travel
industry through the Back to Business (B2B), Business Interruption
Grant (BIG) and Emergency Hospitality grant programs.
[Illinois Office of
Communication and Information]
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