Governor Pritzker Announces $5 Million Available for Tourism Grant Programs

Eligible entities can now apply for funding through the Route 66, International Tourism, and Tourism Marketing Partnership Grant Programs

CHICAGO - Today, Governor JB Pritzker and the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO) announced $5 million is available in tourism funding through three grant programs: the Route 66 Grant Program ($2 million), the International Tourism Grant Program ($1 million), and the Tourism Marketing Partnership Grant Program ($2 million). Eligible entities can apply for grants to promote and preserve the historic Route 66 corridor through the Route 66 Grant Program, grants to promote Illinois to international visitors through the International Tourism Grant Program, and grants to develop attractions, destinations, and events through the Tourism Marketing Partnership Grant Program in an effort to boost tourism and welcome more visitors to Illinois. Grantees will be selected through a competitive Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) process.

"As our vibrant tourism industry continues to support job creation and boost local economies, these grants will help communities attract even more visitors from near and far to Illinois," said Governor JB Pritzker. "Grants are available to develop new attractions and events, bring international visitors to Illinois, and celebrate Route 66's historic centennial, and I encourage all eligible entities to apply."

"The historic Route 66 corridor connects so many vibrant communities across our state," said Lieutenant Governor Juliana Stratton. "Illinois has incredible stories to tell and experiences to share. These tourism grants will help communities strengthen local economies, welcome new visitors, and celebrate the people and places that make Illinois special."

The State of Illinois continues to prioritize its tourism industry as millions of visitors spend billions of dollars annually across Illinois, boosting economic development and supporting jobs in the industry. Illinois reached its highest-ever hotel revenue figures in FY25 with $367 million - a 14% increase over the previous record set in FY24. Additionally, Illinois welcomed 113 million visitors who spent $48.5 billion in 2024 - representing 500,000 additional travelers spending $1.3 billion more than the previous calendar year.

"The State is making investments to boost tourism all across Illinois," said DCEO Director Kristin Richards. "By building upon success through DCEO's tourism grant programs, this additional funding will support a variety of efforts from promoting the historic Route 66's 100th anniversary to marketing our state to visitors outside of the country and developing attractions and events throughout the state."

Route 66 Grant Program

The Route 66 Grant Program will help promote, develop, preserve, and educate visitors about assets along the Illinois Route 66 corridor in celebration of the 100th anniversary this year. Route 66 is one of the most famous roads in America, and it serves as an important historical and cultural symbol. Route 66 was designated in 1926 as part of the new numbered highway network and grew to be one of the most well-known and traveled highways. The construction of Route 66 helped make the Western part of the United States accessible to anyone with a car, while generating economic benefits for many communities along the Route.

International Tourism Grant Program

The International Tourism Grant Program will increase international travel to Illinois through marketing efforts directed to identified target markets that include Mexico, Canada, UK/Ireland, Germany, German-speaking regions in Austria and Switzerland, India, and Japan.

Tourism Marketing Partnership Grant Program

Through the Tourism Marketing Partnership Grant Program, DCEO will provide matching grants to assist in the promotion of tourism attractions, destinations, and events in Illinois. Grant funding will help tourism partners market their attractions and events to increase visitation by both business and leisure travelers in order to increase overnight stays in Illinois.

"Our state has made great strides in showcasing all Illinois has to offer to visitors from near and far," said Representative Kimberly du Buclet (Chicago). "With State support from these grant funding programs, communities will have the opportunity to promote their local attractions and destinations."

The success of Illinois' tourism sector is due to its commitment to supporting the industry as well as the Illinois Office of Tourism's award-winning "Middle of Everything" campaign. Since it launched in 2022, the campaign has contributed to an additional 2.4 million trips equaling more than an additional $1 billion spent in Illinois hotels, restaurants, small businesses, and attractions, according to data from Longwoods International. Additionally, every $1 spent on the campaign equated to $74 in visitor spending while generating $7 in state and local tax revenue - an enormous return on investment.