Governor Pritzker Awards $4.6 Million to Boost Illinois Tourism

When you have huge crowds in Chicago for concerts, sports, or just to walk around the "Bean," the tourism industry in the city is strong, but what about the rest of the state?

Millions in Tourism Funding

Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker is putting millions of dollars behind an effort to bring even more visitors to destinations across the state, with 49 recipients receiving $4.6 million in funding to attract visitors to local businesses and destinations.

The funding is divided among three major programs, with $2 million dedicated to the Route 66 projects, $2 million for tourism marketing, and $654,000 for international tourism promotion.

Route 66 Gets a Major Investment

A large portion of the funding will support Illinois' legendary Route 66 corridor during the highway's centennial year. The $2 million Route 66 Grant Program will fund projects aimed at promoting, developing, and preserving attractions along the "mother road."

Route 66 was designated in 1926 and has become an important part of Illinois history and tourism, and during a recent drive from Rockford to St. Louis, I took the original Route 66 road for a large portion of the drive.

There's a lot to see that you will miss if you're on the interstate, including legendary ice cream shops, historic roadside destinations, and some odd antique stores.

Illinois Targets Travelers Worldwide

Another $654,000 will focus specifically on bringing international visitors to Illinois. Marketing efforts will target travelers in Mexico, Canada, the UK and Ireland, Germany, Austria and Switzerland, with some specialized programming planned for India and Japan.

The remaining $2 million will go toward the Tourism Marketing Partnership Grant Program, providing matching grants to help promote Illinois attractions, destinations, and events.

The goal is to increase visitation, overnight stays, and spending at local restaurants, hotels, and businesses.