Business
Illinois Tourism Grants: $4.6M Awarded Across State
Chicago, IL – Illinois tourism organizations are set to receive $4.6 million through 49 grants aimed at promoting destinations statewide, drawing international visitors and supporting Route 66 project
By Grant Holloway · 2026-09-29T05:36:36.714Z
Chicago, IL – Illinois tourism organizations are set to receive $4.6 million through 49 grants aimed at promoting destinations statewide, drawing international visitors and supporting Route 66 projects during the historic highway’s centennial year.
According to an announcement Tuesday from Gov. JB Pritzker and the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity, the funding includes $2 million for Route 66 projects, $2 million for tourism marketing partnerships and $654,000 for international tourism promotion .
The Route 66 grants will support projects intended to promote, develop and preserve attractions along the Illinois portion of the highway. Route 66 was designated in 1926, making 2026 its 100th anniversary.
The state’s Tourism Marketing Partnership Grant Program will provide matching funds to organizations promoting Illinois attractions, destinations and events. DCEO said the goal is to increase leisure and business travel while encouraging more overnight stays.
Another $654,000 will support international marketing aimed at travelers in Canada, Mexico, the United Kingdom, Ireland and Germany, along with German speaking areas of Austria and Switzerland. Programs are also planned for India and Japan.
State officials said increased tourism can benefit hotels, restaurants, attractions and other businesses throughout Illinois.
The administration also cited state tourism figures showing 115 million visitors spent approximately $50.2 billion in Illinois during fiscal year 2025. Those figures and claims about the economic impact of the state’s “Middle of Everything” advertising campaign were provided by the state in Tuesday’s announcement.
DCEO released separate recipient lists for the Route 66, international tourism and tourism marketing partnership grant programs.
The funding arrives as communities across Illinois prepare for events and tourism campaigns surrounding the Route 66 Centennial.