As the weather gets warmer and leaves return to the trees, it can only mean one thing—the Illinois Bureau of Tourism’s spring/summer campaign is about to begin. We have a number of exciting new projects to share!

One of our most ambitious new undertakings is a partnership with WTTW11 Chicago public broadcasting to leverage Illinois tourism with the longstanding TV program, “Wild Chicago.” This new show, “Wild Chicago’s Illinois Road Trip,” will air Friday nights at 8:30 pm beginning April 21. Donning his signature pith helmet, “Wild Chicago” host Ben Hollis will bring his irreverent style to this new program featuring many hidden gems and lesser-known attractions throughout the state.

One of the sites profiled will be Benton’s Hard Day’s Night Bed and Breakfast. The episode will also feature an exclusive interview with George Harrison’s sister, Louise, who will share home movies of the very young Beatle visiting the Illinois town in the 1960’s. Also sharing the spotlight will be the Jane exhibit at Rockford’s Burpee Museum of Natural History, Cahokia Mounds, Peoria’s Wildlife Prairie State Park, and Bill Shea’s Route 66 Gas Station Museum.

Also beginning this spring, www.enjoyillinois.com visitors will be treated to a new microsite called “Onscreen Illinois” featuring destinations and attractions where movies have been filmed statewide. From recent blockbusters such as “Batman Begins” to Chicago classics like “The Blues Brothers” and “Ferris Bueller’s Day Off,” Illinois has a rich film history to tout. Travelers will learn about Illinois landmarks such as Woodstock’s Town Square, which is prominently featured in “Groundhog Day,” and the Illinois State Capitol, a key location in “Legally Blonde 2: Red, White and Blonde.”

A number of elements will make the Onscreen Illinois Web site compelling and interactive. Regional maps will guide visitors to the filming locations of their favorite films. The site will also include movie descriptions, games, trivia and a movie getaway giveaway contest. In addition, the Bureau is developing five travel packages to give movie fans a chance to visit their favorite filming locations while enjoying a multi-day getaway. Finally, visitors can download an audio podcast that provides a walking tour of filming sites around Chicago as well as information on sites across the state.

I’m also pleased to welcome back our vintage-style “Offbeat Illinois” poster campaign. Keep your eyes open for the next phase of this highly successful program which will again reveal a host of exciting and unique Illinois destinations.

Of course, the spring/summer 2006 campaign will also include new 3-Day Getaway packages as well as advertising and public relations efforts. It’s going to be a great new season in Illinois tourism. Happy spring!