As 2024 draws to a close, we're grateful for your partnership as we continue to welcome visitors from around the globe and show them why Illinois is truly the Middle of Everything.
We wish you and yours a joyful holiday season and the happiest of New Years.
TOURISM NEWS
$2.3 Million in Tourism Grants Available Through December 20 - CLOSING TODAY Know someone who could use funding for tourism attractions or events? Two major grant opportunities announced by Governor Pritzker last month are accepting applications through through today at 5:00pm CST, with $2.3 million available to support Illinois tourism growth.
The Tourism Attraction Grant Program ($1.7 million) offers grants from $15,000 to $200,000 for developing and improving attractions.
Organizations including non-profits, local governments, and for-profit entities are eligible, with a 1:1 match required. Share this opportunity with your networks! Visit the grants office for program details and application materials. Questions? Direct them to CEO.GrantHelp@illinois.gov.
Ferris Bueller's (New Year's) Day Off: Illinois at the Rose Parade 2025 Are you ready to Twist and Shout and have the Best Day Ever? Because Illinois’ very own Ferris Bueller is headed to the Rose Parade! In partnership with the wonderful folks over at Paramount Pictures, we couldn’t be more excited to bring Ferris to Pasadena. This will mark Enjoy Illinois’ third appearance in the Rose Parade and Floatfest. To prepare, be sure to rent or buy the movie so you’re ready to play hooky with us and enjoy Ferris’ big entrance at the parade.
Skift Spotlights 'Big Lincoln' as a Leading AI Innovation EnjoyIllinois.com's Big Lincoln chatbot is leading the way in tourism innovation, according to a new Skift article examining how destinations are adapting to AI technology. The feature highlights our AI assistant as a prime example of how tourism offices can enhance visitor experiences through technology.
Since we launched him in June, Big Lincoln has handled more than 8,000 visitor inquiries on EnjoyIllinois.com, drawing from our library of 100 curated itineraries to provide accurate, helpful responses in 50 languages. The recognition comes as we prepare to expand Big Lincoln's capabilities to our social media channels, including Messenger, Instagram, and WhatsApp, making Illinois travel planning even more accessible to visitors.
Welcome to Chicago Southland's New Welcome Center!
A hearty congratulations to our friends at Visit Chicago Southland on opening their new Visitor Information Center at the Chicago Southland Lincoln Oasis in South Holland. The center, which opened last month with U.S. Representative Robin Kelly and other community leaders in attendance, offers a great example of how to create an inviting gateway for travelers.
The next time you're traveling I-80, drop in to check out their local guides and travel resources - and maybe discover some Southland hidden gems you can recommend to your own visitors.
Seven Illinois Culinary Leaders Named Among America's Most Powerful
Illinois' world-class dining scene earned major recognition in Robb Report's 50 Most Powerful People in American Fine Dining list. Seven Chicago-based leaders and teams made the prestigious ranking, which was determined by votes from nearly 200 industry luminaries including Michelin-starred chefs and James Beard Award winners.
The Illinois honorees represent the diversity of our dining excellence: Grant Achatz (Alinea), Erick Williams (Virtue), R.J. Melman (Lettuce), Curtis Duffy, Kevin Boehm and Rob Katz (Boka Group), Timothy Flores and Genie Kwon (Kasama), and John Shields and Karen Urie Shields (Smyth).
NEWS YOU CAN USE
Pet Travel Becomes the Next Big Thing
If you've noticed more four-legged guests lately, you're not alone. Artful Living magazine reports that "bucket-list vacations" for pets are taking off, with a Pew Research Center study showing 97% of U.S. pet owners now treat their pets as family members. This includes bringing them along on trips - 82% travel by car with their dogs.
Hotels across the country are getting creative with everything from custom pet beds to special room service menus. Adding thoughtful pet amenities, designing pet-friendly itineraries, or just showing you've thought about the animal experience could be a great way to welcome this growing group of travelers.
Google Maps Rolls Out Holiday Shopping Help
Just in time for winter, Google Maps has added features that could bring more visitors to our businesses. Android Central reports the platform now helps users find specific items at nearby stores and checks for weather-related travel delays - perfect for those snowy days.
The update also suggests local winter activities and includes details about parking and reviews. For all of us, this means more chances to catch the eye of visitors planning their holiday adventures.
Tourism Office Investments Pay Off Nationwide
A new dashboard from U.S. Travel Association shows how state tourism offices are driving visitors and jobs across the country. Their analysis of the 2023-2024 fiscal year looks at everything from marketing budgets to staffing levels in all 50 states. It's a helpful way for us all to see how we stack up and where we might find new opportunities for growth.
ILLINOIS MADE
Illinois Made continues to celebrate the unique stories of small businesses that embody the spirit of our state. Thank you for your ongoing support in promoting local talent and experiences that highlight what makes Illinois special!
Discover Perfect Holiday Gifts from Illinois Makers
The 2024 Illinois Made Gift Guideis here, showcasing unique treasures from talented artisans across the state. From handcrafted pottery and small-batch wines to local cheesecakes and artisanal candles, you'll find distinctive gifts that capture the spirit of Illinois while supporting our small businesses.
Next Illinois Made Class: Last Call for Applications
Know an Illinois business that embodies our state's creative spirit? There's still time for them to apply for our next Illinois Made class. We're accepting submissions through December 31, 2024, and will announce the selected makers in spring 2025. Visit EnjoyIllinois.com to review the full criteria and submit an application.
ENJOY ILLINOIS MAGAZINE
Winter is just about to settle, and the fall/winter issue of the Enjoy Illinois inspiration guide is packed with ways to embrace the season. Discover 30 must-try cold-weather activities, find cozy spots to warm up across the state, and explore Illinois' best winter trails. Get all the hot tips to enjoy the cool months. View online Download the PDF
