Chicago, IL – Governor JB Pritzker has launched a renewed campaign this week to attract Canadian travelers to Illinois, emphasizing the strong economic and cultural ties between the state and its northern neighbor as part of National Travel and Tourism Week, which runs through May 10.
According to the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO), the state welcomed 627,000 Canadian visitors in 2023, making Canada Illinois’ leading international tourism market. In total, Illinois saw 2.16 million international travelers and a record-setting 112 million total visitors last year, generating $47 billion in spending.
In a video message released Monday, Governor Pritzker appealed directly to Canadians, touting Illinois as “the closest thing to Canadian hospitality you can get south of Windsor.” He invited travelers to explore iconic sites like Historic Route 66, Abraham Lincoln’s Springfield legacy, and the scenic Garden of the Gods in southern Illinois.
According to Tourism Economics, visitor spending in Illinois last year contributed $4.6 billion in tax revenue and supported over 278,000 tourism-related jobs statewide.
DCEO Director Kristin Richards echoed the governor’s sentiment, emphasizing Illinois’ diverse attractions and cultural experiences. “We’re proud to welcome Canadian visitors to experience everything that makes Illinois so unique, diverse, and memorable,” Richards said.
The state is also ramping up digital outreach to Canadian audiences. A new social media push launched this week on Facebook and Instagram is promoting the state’s “Middle of Everything” tourism campaign. Illinois has also partnered with Expedia and Brand USA to reach Canadian travelers through platforms like Spotify, Amazon Prime, and YouTube.
Canadians interested in exploring Illinois can start planning their trip by visiting EnjoyIllinois.com.
