Governor Pritzker Announces Over 60 Tourism Grant Program Awards

$4.85 million in grant funding awarded through Tourism Attractions, Tourism Marketing Partnership, and Tourism Private Sector Grant Programs

CHICAGO - Today, Governor JB Pritzker and the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO) announced more than $4.85 million in grant funding has been awarded to 66 grantees through three grant programs - the Tourism Attractions Grant Program ($2 million), Tourism Marketing Partnership Grant Program ($2.25 million), and Tourism Private Sector Grant Program ($598,900) - as part of the State's efforts to build upon the record-breaking tourism industry and welcome more visitors to Illinois.

"Our tourism industry supports jobs and local economies, and Illinois is a top destination for visitors across the globe," said Governor JB Pritzker. "These investments will allow communities across Illinois to expand their events and festivals, promote one-of-a-kind destinations, and draw visitors from near and far to our great state."

Tourism Attractions Grant Program

The Tourism Attractions Grant Program will provide funding for the development or improvement of tourism attractions in Illinois, such as museums, recreation areas, amusement parks, and more. The goal of the program is to provide assistance for projects that increase the economic impact of tourism throughout Illinois by increasing visitation rates, boosting hotel occupancy, increasing local hotel and sales tax revenue, and more. The full list of this round's grant recipients can be found here.

"Illinois' tourism industry is booming thanks to the State's continued investments in promoting our great state and everything we have to offer," said DCEO Director Kristin Richards. "Through DCEO's tourism grant funding opportunities, visitors from near and far will be drawn to Illinois while our communities benefit from economic development throughout the state."

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. The full list of this round's grant recipients can be found here.

"Visitors are flocking to Illinois in record numbers to see hidden gems and world-renowned destinations," said Senator Doris Turner (Springfield). "Thanks to the State's tourism grant programs, communities will be able to further promote events, improve attractions, and develop new and enhanced festivals across Illinois."

Tourism Private Sector Grant Program

The Tourism Private Sector Grant Program was created to attract, host and develop new or enhanced events and festivals across Illinois. This funding will support new, expanded, or enhanced events and festivals with costs such as advertising and marketing, transportation, building or equipment rental, receptions and banquets, registration, and entertainment. The full list of this round's grant recipients can be found here.

"Illinois' tourism grant funding programs are keeping our state on the map as a premier destination," said Leader Jay Hoffman (Swansea). "The State of Illinois' $4 million investment will boost tourism and have a direct impact on the communities that benefit from a greater number of visitors, additional hotel stays, and more."

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 calendar year 2023.

"Tourism is a powerful economic driver for communities across Illinois, and we appreciate the State's continued commitment to investing in this critical industry," said Brittany Henry, Chair of the Illinois Destinations Association. "These grant programs provide destinations with the tools they need to enhance experiences, grow visitation, and deliver meaningful economic impact in communities of all sizes across our state, while also supporting the small businesses and attractions that are the backbone of our local economies."

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 $75 in visitor spending while generating $7 in state and local tax revenue for every dollar spent - an enormous return on investment.

About the Illinois Office of Tourism:

The Illinois Office of Tourism leads tourism industry efforts to inspire visitation to, and within Illinois, resulting in significant economic impact and quality-of-life benefits for all Illinois residents. We are committed to making Illinois a model of inclusivity and celebration of diversity. To learn more, visit EnjoyIllinois.com.