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Participate in the Bicentennial Passport program, learn the history of the Chicago dog, and plan your trip to Vintage Illinois Wine Festival. #EnjoyIllinois
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As I welcome you to another Travel Tuesday, I want to extend a special thank you to the Peoria Area CVB for inviting me to keynote their 38th Peoria Area CVB Annual Breakfast. While I delivered a presentation on the economic impact of tourism, I was reminded of all
we've accomplished as an industry to drive travelers to Illinois. I can't wait to see what else we'll accomplish together over the coming months.
Speaking of the coming months: are you ready for some football? I sure am. Last week in DeKalb, the Northern Illinois Huskies faced off against the Utah Utes in NIU's home opener. I was delighted to cheer from the stands as I rang in one of my favorite fall traditions.
The arrival of fall means there are plenty of new activities to help visitors plan a fall getaway in Illinois. This year, as part of the state's yearlong Bicentennial events, several farms and orchards throughout Illinois have added a new twist to the designs of their corn mazes, incorporating images to honor Illinois' 200th Birthday on December 3, 2018. Check out our list of the best places to get lost this fall.
And finally, as we call to mind the upcoming Illinois Bicentennial, I'm delighted to unveil a brand new video series on EnjoyIllinois.com. As part of our 200 Years, 200 Stories program, these videos highlight unique stories and historic experiences around Illinois. Each video focuses on a different topic, from the history of Alton to the origin of John Deere. And I, for one, hope you'll enjoy them all! Visit EnjoyIllinois.com/200 to read the 200 Stories and see all our inspiring Bicentennial content.
Your friend in
Illinois Tourism,
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Cory M. Jobe
Director
Illinois Office of Tourism
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Register for the 2019 Illinois Governor's Conference
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| Don't Miss Out: Bicentennial Passport Program
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There's still time to enjoy the Bicentennial Passport program. Featuring more than 60 of Illinois’ natural, cultural, and historic sites, the Bicentennial Passport program encourages participants to collect stamps around the state for the chance to win exciting prizes. The program runs through November 30.
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| Illinois Office of Tourism Launches Fall Campaign
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As part of our fall campaign, IOT recently launched a new ad campaign entitled The Scenic Route: An Illinois Fall Getaway. The latest campaign follows Jennifer and David Folsom on their three-day road trip around the state of
Illinois. From the quaint town of Galena, to stunning views along the Great River Road, to breathtaking hikes in Shawnee National Forest, this romantic fall getaway was the perfect escape from the hum drum of their everyday lives.
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| CU Pride Festival in Champaign
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| On September 14–16, the city of Champaign shows its stripes during the 9th Annual CU Pride Festival and Parade. Presented by the UP Center of Champaign County, the family-friendly celebration kicks off on Friday with a dance party before the big parade around 5 p.m. on Saturday. The fun doesn't stop there, though: the festivities continue through Sunday with the popular Drag Brunch and a Pride After Party.
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| The History of the Chicago Dog
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As America fell on hard times during the Great Depression, the humble hot dog rose to the occasion. Cheap, plentiful, and satisfying, the hot dog filled a gap for Chicago families — and their stomachs.
But a regular hotdog wasn’t quite enough. It
needed more. So vendors dragged it through the garden. That phrase would become the defining characteristic of the Chicago-style hot dog.
Say it with me now: yellow mustard. Neon-green relish. Fresh chopped onions. Two tomato wedges. A pickle spear. Two sport peppers. A dash of celery salt. No ketchup, under any circumstances.
It’s the signature combination of toppings that distinguishes the Chicago dog from its lesser rivals. And it all came from struggling communities trying to make their hot dogs just a little more filling during lean times. They came together, they experimented with what they had, and as in so many other times in America, those efforts led to something enduring. And the shouts of early 1930s hot dog vendors became the birth cry of a Chicago legend.
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| Travel Industry Executives Meet with White House
The White House invited 14 of the travel industry's most powerful CEOs (including U.S. Travel Association's Roger Dow) last week to discuss concerns over the nation's multi-billion-dollar travel industry. Topics included the United States' loss of international traveler market share, Brand USA's reauthorization, infrastructure improvement, and other ways to promote a welcoming message to international travelers.
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| Peak Occupancy Nights Increase in 2018
According to a report by Morgan Stanley Research examining peak demand nights in the top 25 U.S. markets, high-demand nights have increased by three percent over 2017. Peak nights occur when occupancy levels of a particular area reach
95 percent or more. Year to date, surveyed markets have experienced 173 peak nights through August 25, compared to 168 by the same time last year. But what's causing it, and will the trend continue?
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Vintage Illinois Wine Festival
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Vintage Illinois, the state's largest festival dedicated to Illinois wines, is back for its 16th year at picturesque Matthiessen State Park in Utica. Organized by the Illinois Grape Growers and Vintners Association (IGGVA), the 2018 festival will feature 27 wineries from around Illinois. Food vendors will also be on hand, along with great musical entertainment on both days.
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Check out how people from all over the world #EnjoyIllinois every day on our Instagram
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Oh, and don't forget...We're excited to hear about what you have going on! Send your releases to news@enjoyillinois.com and social media campaigns you're launching to social@enjoyillinois.com. We can't guarantee that all events submitted will be featured, but we always love hearing about what's going on in your area, so keep sending your information!
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| LIKE THIS? SHARE THE LOVE
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| The Official Newsletter of the Illinois Office of Tourism
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| ©2018 Illinois Department of Commerce & Economic Opportunity.
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You're receiving this email as a valuable partner of the Illinois Office of Tourism.
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| [_t.e.s.t_@example.com]
Illinois Office of
Tourism, 100 W. Randolph Street, Suite 3-400, Chicago , IL 60601, United States
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| Illinois Office of Tourism
555 W Monroe St, 12th Floor
Chicago, IL 60601
United States
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