Press Releases

Illinois Office of Tourism Releases Newest Maker video, Optimo Hats, part of Illinois Made program.Chicago – The Illinois Department of Commerce’s Office of Tourism released today the newest local bus...

Illinois Office of Tourism Releases Newest Maker video, Eshelman Pottery, part of Illinois Made program.Chicago – The Illinois Department of Commerce’s Office of Tourism released today the newest loca...

Illinois Governor’s Conference brings big tourism news and business to Springfield.Springfield, Ill., March 20, 2017 – During Monday’s press conference at the annual Illinois Governor’s Conference on ...

Schedule of media events at 2017 Illinois Governor’s Conference on Travel & Tourism.Chicago, March 16, 2017 – Next week, nearly 400 Illinois travel and tourism professionals will convene in Springfiel...

New Illinois Tourism Ad Campaign and Website Unveiled at 2017 Governor’s Conference on Travel and Tourism.SPRINGFIELD, Ill., March 23, 2017–The state’s premier gathering of tourism industry and market...

Latest maker video features two Galena brothers distilling fine Illinois liquors.Galena, Ill. – The Illinois Department of Commerce’s Office of Tourism released today the newest local Galena business ...

Illinois Office of Tourism and Chicago Wolves celebrate Illinois Tourism Night, Saturday, Jan. 21.CHICAGO – The Illinois Office of Tourism is proud to announce a partnership with the professional ice ...

Illinois Office of Tourism Kicks Off National Travel and Tourism Week’s “Faces of Travel” with Expanded Illinois Made program.Chicago, IL – The Illinois Office of Tourism kicks off National Travel and...

An additional one million domestic travelers visited Illinois in 2016 , bringing an increase in visitor spending, tax revenue and local jobs. Chicago, IL – The Illinois Office of Tourism announced ro...

Illinois Office of Tourism Releases Guide to Craft Breweries and DistilleriesChicago, IL – The Illinois Office of Tourism today announces the release of its newest guide to craft breweries and distill...

Chicago, IL – In celebration of Pride Month in June, the Illinois Office of Tourism introduced new trip ideas for LGBTQ visitors around Chicago, Oak Park, and Galena. With a variety of attractions aro...

Chicago, IL – The Illinois Office of Tourism expanded its popular Illinois Made program, putting the spotlight on local artisans and creators – all small business owners helping to drive tourism aroun...

Chicago, IL – The Illinois Office of Tourism believes all people deserve to experience something amazing to match the amazing within themselves. As a celebration of diversity and inclusiveness, the...

CHICAGO – On August 21, as many as 200,000 people are expected to travel to southern Illinois to experience total darkness in the middle of the day during the first solar eclipse in nearly 40 years. N...

CHICAGO – The new Travel Illinois magazine titled “Adventure Awaits,” is now available online and in print, offering travel inspiration for visitors looking for the perfect escape this fall and win...

CHICAGO – Now is the perfect time for families to visit Illinois for a last-minute summer getaway and enjoy the great outdoors, learn a little history and unwind before kids head back to school. “...

MINNEAPOLIS – The Illinois Office of Tourism’s website EnjoyIllinois.com received the U.S. Travel Association’s Mercury Award for outstanding travel website at the 2017 Educational Seminar for Tourism...

CHICAGO – As fall quickly approaches, travelers looking for new ways to experience the season’s vibrant colors should look no further than Illinois. Visitors willing to step out of their comfort zone ...

CHICAGO – Illinois Office of Tourism is excited to announce the latest makers to join the Illinois Made program. From craft brewers, distilleries and vineyards to artisan chocolate shops, bakeries and...

•  Enjoy Illinois Route 66 partners with the Regent Street Motor Show•  Chance to win four nights in Illinois, the start of the Mother Road•  Cars and bikes from the past and future on display•  Celeb...

CHICAGO –  ‘Tis the season to spread holiday cheer with friends and family near and far. Celebrate old traditions and make new memories with these festive holiday events across Illinois.Holiday Lights...

CHICAGO – Grab your costume and get into the Halloween spirit this October with these spooktacular destinations and events in Illinois, sure to send chills down your spine.Escape Rooms: Try to escape ...

CHICAGO – Just in time for the holiday shopping season, Illinois Office of Tourism is releasing its first Illinois Made holiday gift guide featuring small businesses across the state. From craft beer ...

CHICAGO – From cozy craft breweries and luxurious ski resorts to ice wall climbing and cross country skiing by candlelight, winter offers plenty of fun in the Land of Lincoln.“If you’re looking for ou...

Illinois Office of Tourism Debuts Travel Illinois, A Brand New, Bi-Annual Free Travel Magazine Chicago – The Illinois Office of Tourism has unveiled a brand new lifestyle magazine designed to in...

Illinois Office of Tourism Releases Newest Maker video, David Stine Woodworking, part of Illinois Made program  Dow, Ill. – The Illinois Department of Commerce’s Office of Tourism today la...

Illinois Office of Tourism Releases Newest Maker video, Epiphany Farms, part of Illinois Made program Bloomington, Ill. – The Illinois Department of Commerce’s Office of Tourism released today the...

Illinois Office of Tourism Releases Newest Maker video, Funks Grove Maple Sirup, part of Illinois Made program  Shirley, Ill. – The Illinois Department of Commerce’s Office of Tourism released...

Illinois Office of Tourism Releases Newest Maker video, Heritage Bicycles, part of Illinois Made program Chicago – The Illinois Department of Commerce’s Office of Tourism released today the newest...

Illinois Office of Tourism Releases Newest Maker video, Longshadow Gardens, part of Illinois Made program Pomona, Ill. – The Illinois Department of Commerce’s Office of Tourism today highlighted a...

Illinois Office of Tourism Releases Newest Maker video, Marcoot Jersey Creamery, part of Illinois Made program  Greenville, Ill. – The Illinois Department of Commerce’s Office of Tourism today...

Illinois Office of Tourism Releases Newest Maker video, Navarro Canoe Co., part of Illinois Made program  Rock Island, Ill. – The Illinois Department of Commerce’s Office of Tourism today high...

Illinois Office of Tourism Releases Newest Maker video, Scratch Brewing, part of Illinois Made program  Ava, Ill. – The Illinois Department of Commerce’s Office of Tourism released today the n...

Illinois Office of Tourism Releases Newest Maker video, Toraason Glass, part of Illinois Made program  Peoria, Ill. – The Illinois Department of Commerce’s Office of Tourism released today the...

New Illinois Made program celebrates artisans, products and experiences unique to the state    Chicago – The Illinois Department of Commerce’s Office of Tourism launched Illinois Made, a new pro...

Illinois Office of Tourism Announces Latest Makers, Creators and Artisans Featured in Illinois Made program Chicago – The Illinois Department of Commerce’s Office of Tourism announced today th...

Illinois Office of Tourism Releases OUT! Guide for LGBTQ Travel  Chicago, June 2016 – The Illinois Office of Tourism, in partnership with Windy City Times, today announces the publication of i...

Numbers Show Continued Growth in Visitors to Illinois in 2015  Springfield, Ill. – The Illinois Office of Tourism today announced that Illinois saw an increase in domestic visitors in 2015. Il...

Illinois Office of Tourism Releases Wine Guide  Chicago, August 2016 – The Illinois Office of Tourism today announces the release of its comprehensive wine guide, encouraging everyone from seasone...

Illinois Partners with the Magnificent Mile Association to Celebrate 25 Years of the Holidays Lights Parade  Chicago – Illinois Office of Tourism will join forces with the Magnificent Mile Ass...

Illinois Partners with Big Ten Conference  Chicago – Illinois Office of Tourism will partner with Big Ten Conference for a third year as the official travel and tourism sponsor of the Conferen...

Illinois Marks 90th Anniversary of Iconic U.S. Route 66 with a Pop-up Experience in London  LONDON – Illinois Office of Tourism today celebrated the 90th Anniversary of Route 66 with a special...

Join Illinois Office of Tourism for Virtual Tours of Attractions around the State  Chicago – From world-renowned cultural institutions to on-the-farm dining adventures and everything in betwee...

Illinois Governor’s Conference on Travel and Tourism Returns to Springfield  Springfield – Today the state’s premier gathering of tourism industry professionals returns to Springfield for the ...

2016 Illinois Governor's Conference Awarded Industry Innovators, Highlighted Economic Indicators that Point to Continued Growth in Illinois' Tourism Industry Springfield – Illinois travel profession...

Illinois Office of Tourism Executes Campaign Aimed at Making Illinois a Destination for Mexican Visitors  Chicago – The Illinois Office of Tourism is proud to announce the completion of a succ...

Illinois Office of Tourism Partners with Brand USA and Travel Channel UK & EMEA to Inspire Travel Through ‘Chef Vignettes’ Content Series  Chicago – The Illinois Department of Commerce’s Office ...

Illinois Office of Tourism’s ‘Find Something More’ campaign wins U.S. Travel Association’s Mercury Award  Chicago – The Illinois Department of Commerce’s Office of Tourism’s ‘Find Something Mo...

Illinois Features in Orbitz Originals Video Series Chicago – The Illinois Office of Tourism is bringing Illinois to one of the leading online travel sites, Orbitz.com, through a new Orbitz Originals...

Governor Rauner Names Experienced State Government Leader Cory Jobe as New Director of the Illinois Office of Tourism  Springfield – Governor Bruce Rauner announced today that he has appointed...

Travelers can take advantage of cross-country and downhill skiing, bald eagle watching, indoor waterparks, historical celebrations surrounding Abraham Lincoln’s birthday and President’s Day, some o...

Illinois springs to life, as travelers can enjoy the season at world-renowned gardens, baseball’s opening day,the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum’s 10th Anniversary and an array of ...

Illinois Office of Tourism Releases Golf Guide  Chicago, May 2016 – Illinois, among the Midwest’s top golfing outposts, today announces the release of its first, comprehensive guide to golfing...

Numbers Show Continued Growth in Visitors to Illinois in 2014  Springfield – The Illinois Office of Tourism today announced a record-breaking number of visitors traveled to Illinois in 2014, t...

Illinois Governor’s Conference on Travel and Tourism Kicks Off in Chicago  Chicago – The 2015 Illinois Governor’s Conference on Travel and Tourism kicked off this week to celebrate the power o...

2015 Illinois Governor's Conference Awarded Industry Innovators Chicago – The 2015 Illinois Governor’s Conference on Travel and Tourism kicked off this week to celebrate the power of people and tra...

Each winter, around 3,000 bald eagles fly to Illinois to make it their temporary home, settling in among the cliffs and trees in at least 27 counties around the state—making Illinois one of the best p...

Chicago – The Illinois Office of Tourism is joining forces with U.S. Travel Association’s Project: Time Off coalition for National Plan for Vacation Day on TuesdayJanuary 30, to encourage everyone to ...

CHICAGO  – The new Travel Illinois magazine titled “Hot Destinations” is now available online and in print, offering travel inspiration for visitors just in time for spring break. From the tranquil oa...

Illinois Tourism Launches New “Amazing for All” LGBTQ Campaign CHICAGO - As a celebration of diversity and inclusiveness, the Illinois Office of Tourism introduces its new “Amazing for All” campaign, ...

Illinois Office of Tourism Announces 31 New Makers to Join Illinois Made Program CHICAGO - Illinois Office of Tourism is thrilled to announce the latest businesses to join the Illinois Made program. F...

ILLINOIS OFFICE OF TOUR AND TOUR ILLINOIS RELEASE NEW GROUP TOUR PLANNER GUIDECHICAGO – The new Illinois Group Tour Planner Guide titled “Group Travel Planner” is now available online and in print, of...

Illinois Tourism Kicks off National Travel & Tourism Week Announcing New Illinois Frank Lloyd Wright TrailChicago, IL – The Illinois Office of Tourism kicks off National Travel and Tourism Week (NTTW)...

Illinois Tourism Announces Record Growth An additional 1.6 million travelers visited Illinois in 2017, bringing an increase in visitor spending, tax revenue and local jobsSPRINGFIELD, Ill. (May 15, 20...

Illinois Office of Tourism Announces Partnership with CrowdRiff to Build User Generated Content CHICAGO – When people from around the world visit Illinois, they leave a digital trail of their amazing ...

Illinois Tourism Plays Matchmaker with 390-Mile Blind Date Road Trip for New Digital CampaignCHICAGO –  Illinois Office of Tourism coordinated a blind date for two strangers, both first-time visitors ...

Illinois Office of Tourism Announces 28 New Makers to Join Illinois Made ProgramCHICAGO –  Illinois Office of Tourism is excited to announce 28 new makers to join the Illinois Made program. From local...

Last-Minute Summer Getaways in Illinois for the Family to EnjoyCHICAGO –  Illinois is the perfect place for a last-minute summer getaway for families before kids head back to school next month. With n...

Illinois Office of Tourism Celebrates Bicentennial Anniversary with New Initiatives to Promote Visits to Illinois’ Most Significant SitesCHICAGO –  Illinois Office of Tourism is excited to announce se...

Illinois Office of Tourism Reveals New #AmazingForAll LGBTQ Art Installation at Northalsted Market DaysCHICAGO –  The Illinois Office of Tourism debuted a new larger-than-life art installation celebra...

Illinois Office of Tourism Releases New Fall/Winter Travel Illinois Magazine CHICAGO –  The new fall/winter Travel Illinois magazine titled “Just Go!” is now available online and in print, offering in...

Illinois Office of Tourism Hosts Birthday Cake Celebrations Throughout the State for Bicentennial Anniversary CHICAGO –  In honor of Illinois’ 200th anniversary, the Illinois Office of Tourism and loc...

Best Ways to See, Sip and Save on Fall in IllinoisCHICAGO –  With its dazzling display of colors, seasonal flavors and rustic accommodations, fall is the perfect season to experience Illinois. The Ill...

Illinois Office of Tourism Encourages Visitors and Locals to Get Lost in 200 Years of History with Bicentennial-Themed Farm Mazes  CHICAGO –   In honor of Illinois’ 200th anniversary, the Illinois Off...

The Illinois Office of Tourism Reveals 2018 Illinois Made Holiday Gift GuideCHICAGO - With the holiday shopping season approaching, the Illinois Office of Tourism released its annual Illinois Made hol...

10 Amazing Holiday Traditions to Discover in IllinoisCHICAGO –Illinois offers no shortage of amazing experiences for people of all ages to enjoy throughout the holiday season. With the most wonderful ...

New Attractions and Events in Illinois Opening in 2019 CHICAGO - With the new year approaching, the Illinois Office of Tourism is excited to share a variety of amazing new events, attractions and open...

Illinois Office of Tourism Kicks Off Illinois Eagle Watch 2019 Including New Facebook Live Stream Each winter, an estimated 3,000 bald eagles migrate to Illinois rivers, making the state one of the be...

Illinois Office of Tourism Offers Spring and Summer Travel Inspiration for National Plan for Vacation DayCHICAGO – In celebration of National Plan for Vacation Day on Tuesday, Jan. 29, Illinois Office...

CHICAGO – The state’s premier gathering of tourism industry professionals will meet in Chicago, February 4-6 at the Palmer House Hilton. The annual Illinois Governor’s Conference on Travel & Tourism u...

CHICAGO - The 2019 Illinois Governor’s Conference on Travel & Tourism kicked off Monday, February 4, in Chicago with the Illinois Excellence in Tourism Awards ceremony at the Palmer House Hilton. The ...

CHICAGO– The Illinois Office of Tourism’s #AmazingForAll campaign received the Spartacus Traveler Award for best LGBTQ tourism campaign during ITB Berlin, the world’s leading travel trade show. Sparta...

CHICAGO – In an effort to increase Illinois' $40 billion travel and tourism industry, the Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO) has enlisted the service of one of the nation's top mar...

CHICAGO – The Illinois Office of Tourism will celebrate National Travel & Tourism Week (NTTW) May 5-11 by releasing new “Instagrammable Illinois” trip ideas showcasing 20 of the state’s most Insta-wor...

CHICAGO - Illinois Office of Tourism is excited to announce 18 businesses to join the Illinois Made program. From award-winning artists to inspiring nonprofits, sustainable craftsmen and even an alpac...

CHICAGO – The Illinois Department of Commerce & Economic Opportunity (DCEO), Office of Tourism, is pleased to announce funding for two grant programs designed to increase tourism across the state.  Th...

CHICAGO – The wonder and awe of traveling, and the feelings one gets from experiencing new places, is at the heart of a new advertising and marketing campaign for the Illinois Department of Commerce a...

Governor Pritzker Announces Record Tourism Growth in IllinoisAn additional 3 million travelers visited Illinois in 2018, bringing an increase in visitor spending, tax revenue and local jobs SPRINGFIEL...

The Illinois Office of Tourism Announces Five New Makers to Join the Illinois Made Program Chicago – The Illinois Office of Tourism is excited to announce five new local businesses to join the Illinoi...

The Illinois Office of Tourism Announces 2019 Illinois Made Holiday Gift Guide Chicago – TheIllinois Office of Tourism is releasing its annual Illinois Made Holiday Gift Guide featuring unique local b...

Best Eagle Watching Opportunities This Winter in IllinoisCHICAGO – Each winter, an estimated 3,000 bald eagles migrate to Illinois, making the state one of the best locations in the country to catch a...

New Events, Attractions and Hotels Coming to Illinois in 2020CHICAGO – As we kick off a new decade, the Illinois Office of Tourism is excited to highlight new experiences, exhibits, attractions and ev...

Illinois Office of Tourism Announces $1.9M for Tourism Grant RecipientsCHICAGO - The Illinois Department of Commerce & Economic Opportunity (DCEO), Office of Tourism, is pleased to announce $1.9 milli...

The Illinois Office of Tourism Releases Refreshed Enjoy Illinois MagazinePromotion for Spring/Summer Issue Includes Social Media Giveaway with Six Flags Great America Chicago – The Illinois Office of ...

State of Illinois Announces Ninth Consecutive Year of Record Tourism Growth in 2019With over 120 million visitors, Illinois set record $43.1 billion in tourism spend in 2019  CHICAGO – Prior to the im...

 Illinois Office of Tourism Announces 31 New Small Businesses Recognized as Makers in the Illinois Made Program New Illinois Made class features the most women-owned businesses in a single class to da...

Illinois Office of Tourism Releases Annual Holiday Gift Guide Featuring Online Shopping This Year2020 Illinois Made Gift Guide features unique businesses from across the state offering online shopping...

NEW ISSUE OF ENJOY ILLINOIS PROVIDES TIPS ON WHERE TO GET AWAY FROM MEMORIAL DAY TO LABOR DAY AND BEYOND IN 2021Illinois’ free travel magazine provides trip ideas to plan a safe and scenic future geta...

SPRINGFIELD – Governor JB Pritzker today joined the Illinois Office of Tourism and industry leaders to kick off “Time for Me to Drive,” a new campaign to promote the return of travel across the state....

Illinois Office of Tourism Promotes New ‘Time for Me to Drive’ Road Trip Itineraries in Advance of National Road Trip DayNew Tourism Ad Features Route 66 and Great River Road DestinationsCHICAGO - Jus...

STATE OF ILLINOIS RELEASES THE ILLINOIS FALL COLOR REPORT AND FIVE NEW ROAD TRIP ITINERARIES HIGHLIGHTING THE BEST WAYS TO SEE AND EXPERIENCE THE SEASON New itineraries include places to stay, small ...

Illinois Office of Tourism Announces 28 New Small Businesses Inducted to the Illinois Made Program Newest Illinois Made class highlights diverse group of small businesses with goal of generating ...

CHICAGO - The Illinois Office of Tourism today released the annual Illinois Made Holiday Gift Guide featuring twenty small businesses around the state and their one-of-a-kind products. Just in time fo...

Tourism Leaders Gather in Chicago for 2021 Illinois Governor’s Conference on Travel & TourismConference to feature prominent tourism thought leaders, Dec. 6-8CHICAGO – The state’s annual conference fo...

 Illinois Office of Tourism Honors Tourism Industry Leaders with Excellence in Tourism Awards and Silver Lining Stories CHICAGO -The 2021 Illinois Governor’s Conference on Travel & Tourism kicked off ...

It’s Official: NASCAR Cup Series Race at World Wide Technology Raceway (WWTR) Named ‘Enjoy Illinois 300’Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO) to Sponsor Inaugural Cup Series ...

Gov. Pritzker Announces New ‘Middle of Everything’ Illinois Tourism Campaign, Starring and Directed by Jane LynchNew Ad Campaign ‘Middle of Everything’ spotlights Illinois as the center of culture, fo...

The Illinois Office of Tourism Wins Two U.S. Travel Association Mercury Awards for “The Middle of Everything” and “Illinois Made” campaignsTourism industry leaders honor state’s new tourism campaign s...

SPRINGFIELD – Just in time for the start of fall, (Sept. 22), the Illinois Office of Tourism, in partnership with the Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR), has released the 2022 Fall Colors...

Illinois Office of Tourism Releases 2022 Illinois Made Holiday Gift Guide The 2022 gift guide features Illinois Made products and encourages shoppers and travelers to support small businesses this hol...

Illinois Office of Tourism Announces 30 Small Businesses Inducted into the Illinois Made ProgramMost diverse class of Illinois Makers to date recognizes small businesses with the goal of encouraging r...

Tourism Leaders Convene in Chicago for the 2022 Illinois Governor’s Conference on Travel & TourismConference to feature notable tourism thought leaders, Dec. 5-7CHICAGO - The Illinois Governor’s Confe...

Illinois Office of Tourism Celebrates Tourism Industry  Achievements with Excellence in Tourism AwardsCHICAGO -The 2022 Illinois Governor’s Conference on Travel & Tourism kicked off Monday, Dec. 5, at...

Illinois Office of Tourism “Enjoy Illinois” Reveals “The Middle of Everything” Float for 134th Rose Parade Float highlights the state's latest tourism campaign and the diversity of Illinois as a premi...