Illinois Office of Tourism - Chicago, IL

Illinois Office of Tourism

The Illinois Office of Tourism (IOT), part of the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity, is headquartered at 555 West Monroe Street in Chicago. This agency is the driving force behind the 'Enjoy Illinois' brand, dedicated to promoting the state as a premier destination for domestic and international travelers. Through marketing campaigns, grants, and industry partnerships, the IOT works to boost the state's economy by increasing visitor spending and supporting tourism-related jobs.

Promoting the State

The office manages high-profile marketing initiatives, including the 'Middle of Everything' campaign. Key functions include:

• International Marketing: Maintaining representation in key global markets to attract international visitors to Chicago and greater Illinois.
• Publications: Producing the official Illinois Travel Guide and maintaining the EnjoyIllinois.com website.
• Grant Management: Administering funding programs for local convention and visitors bureaus (CVBs) to support local tourism efforts.

Industry Support

The IOT serves as a resource for the travel industry, offering research data, brand guidelines, and opportunities for collaboration. While the Chicago office functions primarily as an administrative headquarters rather than a walk-in visitor center, it coordinates the statewide network of tourist information centers.