August Illinois Tourism Monthly

From the Desk of Daniel Thomas, Illinois Office of Tourism (IOT)

Welcome to the Illinois Tourism Monthly, our B2B forum for all things Enjoy Illinois. Whether you would like to engage with the Illinois Office of Tourism directly, receive updates on our latest news or events across the state, or see the latest tourism trends for our state – you are in the right place. Firstly, I wanted to thank you all for such a warm welcome in my new capacity as Deputy Director.

As most of you know, I am no stranger to tourism. In fact, my life has been dedicated to it - from hospitality to hotels, attractions to adventure tourism, aviation to advocacy. I believe one of the best gifts I was given as a young person was travel and I have been extremely fortunate to be inspired from an early age.

To be here today, leading our industry in all things Illinois, is an honor and something I don’t take lightly…

Living and breathing Illinois tourism for the past 16 years has given me great insight and learnings. I’ve supported 5 of my predecessors and seen first-hand how they have led and operated during various challenges and opportunities.

As I acclimatize, I have been fortunate to be out in various communities this past month in Springfield, Lombard, Ottawa, and in downtown Chicago as we announced record hotel/motel tax revenue across the state of Illinois! My base knowledge in tourism has enabled me to hit the ground running and this is only my 5th week!

Please feel free to reach out to me via email or continue to follow Enjoy Illinois on any or all of your channels.

Yours in tourism partnership,

Governor Pritzker Announces Record-Breaking Hotel Revenue and Strong Growth in Illinois Tourism

Accompanied by the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO), Governor JB Pritzker revealed excellent growth in hotel revenue for the 2023 Fiscal Year.

It was announced that revenue surged to an impressive $308 million. This outstanding feat surpassed the pre-pandemic record set in FY19 and is an indicator of the resilience and growth of the hospitality sector.

Illinois experienced an overwhelming influx of visitors, with 111 million people choosing the state as a destination in 2022. The total expenditure by these visitors reached $44 billion.

These exceptional achievements not only showcase the allure of Illinois as a premier travel destination but also highlight the state's unwavering commitment to fostering economic growth and prosperity via tourism.

For more information, read the full press release here.

Enjoy Illinois Float to Attend Bud Billiken Parade as it Celebrates 94 Years

Regarded as the United States' second-largest parade, the Bud Billiken Parade returns to Chicago on August 12 for its 94th year. IOT will be joining the parade and handing out Enjoy Illinois stickers and fans with information on trip ideas around the state.

The parade centers around the celebration of youth, education, and African American culture. Commonly referred to as the "back-to-school" celebration, it holds particular significance as it marks the end of summer vacation and the return to school for Chicago's young minds.

Two-time Grammy award-winning Chicago poet, J. Ivy, has been announced as the parade's grand marshal. The parade will be kicking off at 10:00am on 35th Street in Bronzeville before marching down King Drive and ending at Washington Park on 55th Street.

Fiesta Del Sol 2023 Attracts Thousands

Patrons gathered at Fiesta Del Sol 2023 to savor delectable food, groove to lively music, enjoy thrilling rides, and indulge in various Latino festivities. This year marked the festival's 51st edition, proudly holding its place as one of the nation's most popular Latino celebrations. With thousands of attendees participating in the four-day event, the atmosphere was filled with joy and excitement in celebration of Latino culture. View a recap on the Enjoy Illinois Instagram.

Illinois State Fair Returns to Springfield

The Illinois State Fair 2023 will deliver a unique variety of activities and attractions for the whole family. Visitors will get to enjoy 10 days of the family-friendly fair which includes rides, concerts, food, and more.

The Grandstand stage has been host to many famous acts throughout the years and the 2023 schedule will be no different. Grandstand performances include Nelly, Ashanti, Alanis Morisette, and many more.

Notable returning attractions will include the unofficial icon of the fair, the Butter Cow, as well as the Giant Slide, and Monster Trucks. Auto racing will also return with the USAC Bettenhausen 100 and the ARCA Menards Series Atlas.

The Illinois Grape Growers and Vintners Alliance have announced that fourteen Illinois wine growers will be a special feature at the fair. For a traditional tasting experience, fairgoers will want to look for the Artisans Building, where multiple wineries will showcase their products. The “Illinois Wine Experience” will offer a $10 tasting opportunity that includes a commemorative glass and six tasting tickets.

The Illinois State Fair will run from August 10 - 20, 2023 at the Illinois State Fairgrounds. Tickets are available now.

New Dilla x Preston Jackson Content Published

As part of ongoing efforts to celebrate diversity and share stories of Illinois' proud African American history, IOT has recently updated its "Discover Illinois with Dilla" website landing page. The new page features videos and additional content focusing on Dilla's adventures as he explores Illinois' storied African American history.

As part of the ongoing partnership with Dilla, IOT has launched a brand new video featuring iconic sculptor, Preston Jackson.

Justice of the Pies Finds Permanent Home on South Side of Chicago

After 8 years as a satellite baker, Illinois Maker and owner of Justice of the Pies, Maya-Camille Broussard, has finally located a permanent home for her beloved business.

Broussard acquired and transformed a dental office into a production kitchen with a stunning retail space and teaching kitchen. Because of the move, Broussard will now offer an expanded menu that will include her famous pies, quiches and pot pies as well as some of her favorite nostalgic treats and custardy vanilla soft serve.

Illinois Made Submission Deadline

Illinois Made submissions have officially closed. Thank you so much for your submissions!