Governor JB Pritzker and the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO) announced Tuesday the awarding of $857,000 in grant funding to 11 certified local tourism and convention bureaus across the state. This funding was awarded through the International Tourism Grant Program as part of efforts to grow Illinois’ tourism industry.

The DeKalb County Convention and Visitors Bureau (DCCVB) will receive $33,600.00 to support the bureau’s initiatives to attract international visitors, including prospective and enrolled students at Northern Illinois University to spend time in DeKalb County.

“Illinois is truly in the Middle of Everything, and our tourism industry is thriving like never before,” said Governor JB Pritzker. “Thanks to the International Tourism Grant Program, 11 local tourism and convention bureaus will showcase the best of Illinois to global audiences, attract international visitors, and drive growth to local economies statewide.”

“DeKalb County’s long history of agricultural innovation, educational opportunity, and welcoming business climate have made our area an attractive destination for international visitors and students,” said DCCVB Executive Director, Cortney Strohacker. “We wish to thank the Governor, the Illinois Office of Tourism and our wonderful local partners for supporting the bureau’s efforts to tell the story about the great things to see, learn and experience in DeKalb County to a global audience. The grant also allows the team to attend an international tourism summit to enhance the bureau’s knowledge and skill set in attracting international travelers.”

The DCCVB will use International Tourism Grant funding to develop interactive digital kiosks at several high-traffic locations within DeKalb County to display and distribute information about local attractions, destinations, events, lodging, restaurants, and other tourism content to visitors to the area.

The International Tourism Grant Program will increase international travel to Illinois through marketing efforts directed to identified target markets that include Mexico, Canada, German-speaking countries of Germany, Austria and Switzerland, U.K./Ireland, France, India, Italy, Australia, and New Zealand

“Illinois is a premier destination for travelers across the globe,” said DCEO Director Kristin Richards. “The certified local tourism and convention bureaus who received grant funding through this opportunity will continue to promote Illinois to an international audience – building upon the state’s growing number of international visitors.”

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 welcomed 2.16 million international visitors in 2023, reflecting a substantial 39% increase from the previous year, according to data provided by Tourism Economics. This surge in international visitation showcases Illinois as an increasingly sought-after global destination. Additionally, international visitors injected nearly $2.7 billion into Illinois’ economy in 2023, representing a 47% increase in spending compared to the previous year.

The top five markets for visitation to Illinois in 2023 include Canada, Mexico, India, the U.K. and Germany.

• Canada emerged as the leading market for international visitation, with an impressive increase from 425,000 to 627,000 visitors, representing a substantial 48% growth.
• Overseas visitors (defined as visitors not from Canada and Mexico) also showed significant growth, surging from 963,000 visitors in 2022 to 1,347,000 in 2023, marking a 40% increase.
• India demonstrated substantial growth in visitors to Illinois, with an increase of 55% from 2019 to 2023.
• Mexico contributed to the upward trend, with visitation numbers climbing from 164,000 to 183,000, reflecting a notable 12% rise.

The Illinois Office of Tourism attributes this growth to strategic marketing initiatives, enhanced partnerships and a wide array of unique attractions and experiences that appeal to international travelers. The Illinois Office of Tourism partners with offshore offices in the U.K., Germany, Mexico and India to promote and market Illinois to international travelers.

About DeKalb County Convention and Visitors Bureau: The DeKalb County Convention and Visitors Bureau works on behalf of county stakeholders to attract leisure travelers and overnight visitors to the area’s diverse attractions, events, and businesses, which include a major public research university (Northern Illinois University) and a group of creative local makers and artisans known as Bold Spirits of DeKalb County. As the county’s only certified destination marketing organization, the bureau serves as a primary point of contact for meeting planners, sports tournament directors, tour operators, special event planners and travelers. To learn more about DeKalb County, visit ExperienceDeKalbCounty.com.

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. Illinois is a state that embodies innovation, craft, surprise and creativity. Whether domestic and international visitors are traveling for business or leisure, the Illinois Office of Tourism is their trusted guide in crafting an unforgettable experience. To learn more, visit EnjoyIllinois.com.