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 around the state.
For Distribution
June 03, 2017
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 around the state. Those artisans and businesses are the focus of new customized Illinois Made “Art-is-an” trip ideas and tourist attractions highlighting the experiences, encounters, and escapes you can only find in Illinois.
According to Skift and Peak DMC, a global travel expert network, more than 72% of consumers would rather spend money on “experiences” than things. In that light, the new Illinois Made “Art-is-an” trip ideas were created to drive tourism to the state by highlighting truly local experiences tourists can’t find anywhere else. They include:
“Here in Illinois we want to recognize and promote more of our Illinois Made artisans who are small businesses and job creators helping to drive the state’s economy,” said Cory Jobe, Director of the Illinois Office of Tourism. “The expanded Illinois Made program will attract new visitors to explore our state, while supporting local businesses and generating important tourism spending for our communities.”
Illinois Made recognizes the artisans, products and experiences that are unique to the state. Launched in 2016, the program encourages people to extend their travel beyond a day trip by exploring the local businesses and great attractions around the state.
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The Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity, Office of Tourism manages industry efforts that result in sustainable and significant economic and quality-of-life benefits for Illinois