Illinois tourism is making headlines this fall, from hitting an all-time high in visitor numbers to launching the new Fall/Winter issue of the Enjoy Illinois Magazine. Plus, we’re celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month with stories that honor Latino-owned businesses and cultural experiences across the state.
TOURISM NEWS
Illinois Tourism Hits All-Time High in 2024
Illinois’ tourism industry reached record-breaking heights in 2024, with visitor spending surging to an all-time high of $48.5 billion—a 2.9% increase over the previous year. This spending generated a total economic impact of $85.1 billion, supported 454,455 jobs, and brought in nearly $6.8 billion in state and local tax revenue—saving every Illinois household an estimated $1,361 in additional taxes.
These numbers reflect more than just dollars—they highlight the essential role tourism plays in fueling Illinois’ economy and enriching local communities. With 112.9 million visitors exploring everything from vibrant cities to charming small towns, the Enjoy Illinois brand continues to deliver real results statewide. Read the full press release from Gov. JB Pritzker here.
Brand USA Partnership
Illinois will welcome international travel agents as part of the upcoming Brand USA Destination Immersion taking place September 23–October 1. The program, designed to increase awareness of U.S. travel experiences among top-selling agents from Germany, Austria, and Switzerland, will highlight attractions across Joliet, Wilmington, Dwight, Pontiac, and Springfield from September 23–25 before returning to Illinois with a final stop in Chicago on September 29.
Illinois is participating in a multi-state itinerary with Missouri and Indiana, with the Chicago portion being organized by Choose Chicago. The Illinois Office of Tourism is partnering with Heritage Corridor Destinations and the Springfield Convention and Visitors Bureau to bring this important visit to life.
FY26 Grant Programs Now Available The Illinois Office of Tourism has posted two new FY26 grants, both available to certified Illinois CVBs:
Route 66 Grant Program – This program will award grants to certified convention and visitor bureaus for the development of tourism, education, preservation, and promotion surrounding the 100th anniversary of Route 66 in 2026. View the NOFO here.
Route 66 Technical Assistance Session: September 23, 2025, at 11:00 AM. Register here.
Tourism International Grant Program – This grant supports certified convention and visitor bureaus outside the City of Chicago in their international marketing efforts. View the NOFO here.
International Technical Assistance Session: September 23, 2025, at 1:00 PM. Register here.
Updated Fall Colors Resource for Visitors We’ve refreshed the Fall Colors Trip Planner page on Enjoy Illinois for the 2025 autumn season, which will include fall‐color reports broken out by region (Northern, Central, and Southern Illinois) starting next week. The interactive map and slider let visitors track the progression of leaf changes across September, October, and November, making it easier than ever for travelers to plan their perfect fall getaway.
Celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month Through October 15, we’re proud to honor Hispanic Heritage Month by spotlighting Latino-owned businesses, cultural attractions, and the inspiring founders behind them. To help visitors fully experience the richness of Hispanic culture across the state, we’ve curated a road trip itinerary that highlights can’t-miss destinations.
NEWS YOU CAN USE
Coolcations: The Travel Trend Turning Down the Heat
According to a recent CNBC article, travelers—especially those prioritizing comfort and calm—are turning toward “coolcations,” favoring destinations that offer cool weather, fewer crowds, and off-peak timing over the traditional summer hustle. This trend is gaining traction as visitors look to dodge heatwaves and packed hotspots.
Noctourism Lights Up 2025 A new trend is casting travel in a different light—literally. According to an article by Veranda, “noctourism” is on the rise, with travelers embracing the unique beauty and atmosphere of destinations after dark. From quiet evenings to starry skies, the night offers a whole new way to experience a place.
ENJOY ILLINOIS MAGAZINE
When browsing the Fall/Winter issue of the Enjoy Illinois inspiration guide, you'll feel like you're already out there enjoying the best the state has to offer. Whether it’s cozy fall getaways, festive Chicago celebrations, winter adventures, and more! There's always something new to explore. View online Download the PDF
