Description
The Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity is issuing a Notice of Funding Opportunity to promote destination drivers and increase overnight stays in paid accommodations throughout the State. The goal of the program is to match local funds with State funds to promote tourism attractions, destinations, and events in Illinois. Eligible applicants include counties, municipalities, not-for-profit organizations, and local promotion groups located inside Cook County. The program will provide matching grants to assist in promotional activities such as travel-related promotional materials, media, billboards, websites, market research, and travel/trade shows.
• Eligible projects must promote a viable tourism attraction, destination, or event located within 30 miles of an area with supporting visitor services.
• Projects must include tracking and evaluation measures.
• Geographic advertising markets must appear reasonable and based on research to drive overnight stays.
• Projects must demonstrate how they will increase visitation, length of stay, and/or tourism expenditures from outside of 50 miles.
• Projects must have a significant impact on the area's overall tourism efforts and the State's overall tourism efforts.
• Projects must encompass multiple attractions, municipalities, or geographic areas.
• Marketing must be targeted to attract visitors from outside 50 miles to stay overnight.