Statewide News

Cyclists roll into Alton to complete a successful Illinois Great Rivers Ride

More than 240 bikers rolled through the Land of Lincoln during the second annual Illinois Great Rivers Bike Ride, Sept. 10 – 16.  After an enjoyable week riding along Illinois’ scenic waterways, the event concluded with a celebration at the National Great Rivers Museum at Melvin Price Locks and Dam in Alton, where evening activities included dinner, dancing and fireworks along with a visit to the Lewis & Clark State Historic Site in Hartford for era reenactments.  A variety of one-of-a-kind Illinois activities and events entertained riders throughout their 385-mile journey, including a delicious steak dinner at Harpole’s Heartland Lodge, a German festival in historic Quincy, and a ride on the Channel Water Cat Taxi in the Quad Cities.

The ride also generated strong media interest throughout the week, with local broadcast and newspapers covering nearly every stop. Although the ride kicked off in 50 degree weather with steady rain, the bikers were determined to make the most out of the event; many braved the elements and slept in tents.  A total of 220 riders from 20 different states ranging from Alaska to Florida participated in the journey.  IBOT would like to thank Opportunity Returns, the Illinois Department of Transportation, Illinois Department of Natural Resources, Roger Carmack and the Western Illinois Tourism Development Office, as well as the many communities along the route for making the second Illinois Great Rivers Ride a huge success. 

Guys can get together in Illinois

With ideal spots for hiking, golfing, rock climbing and fishing, Illinois’ Fall-O-Ween season is a great time for guys to grab their friends and head out for Magnificent 3-Day Getaways across the state. 

Golf enthusiasts can go "fore" it in Northern Illinois with options for tee times at The General golf course at Eagle Ridge Resort & Spa in Galena, the Park Hills Golf Course in Freeport and a variety of courses in Rockford, voted the best mid-sized golf city in the U.S by Golf Digest.

For the outdoorsman, the opportunities to enjoy nature are endless in Southern Illinois.  The Vertical Heartland Rock Climbing School in Buncombe offers full- or half-day sessions held on a private cliff to help beginners master a 20-foot beginner's climb before tackling the 120-foot Draper's Bluff.  Shawnee National Forest’s Garden of the Gods has some of the region's best rock climbing, with sandstone trails for beginners and advanced cliffs for the more experienced climber. For those who like to stay closer to the ground, a weekend bike trip down the 45-mile Tunnel Hill State Trail provides a unique guys’ getaway and can conclude with some leisurely fishing in the waterways nearby.  After working up a sweat and an appetite, guys will enjoy hitting the 17th Street Bar & Grill in Murphysboro for some succulent baby back ribs at this award-winning barbeque joint.

For more information on guys’ getaways and other itineraries, check out the 3-Day Getaways on www.enjoyillinois.com.

Bureau ramps up efforts to draw international shoppers

In an effort to lure international travelers to Chicago for magnificent holiday shopping, the Bureau unveiled two new pre-holiday online campaigns in mid-September for the UK and German markets.  The German "His and Hers" campaign leverages humorous comparisons to communicate Chicago’s diverse offerings and range of activities.  Playing on the spelling of Chicago, the UK’s "Chic" campaign reveals all the stylish attractions and activities that the Windy City offers fashionable visitors.
 
Integrated public relations efforts will be coordinated with key media in both markets to capitalize on the two campaigns, which will run through mid-November on www.gochicago.com and www.gochicago.de.

Illinois Media Center adds autumn to the menu with new fall focus 

Now that Illinois' distinctive fifth season – Fall-O-Ween – is well underway, Illinois tourism partners should be sure to check out the newly revised Illinois Media Center located on www.enjoyillinois.com.  With a multitude of Fall-O-Ween images and event listings, this season's media center will help journalists capture the essence of autumn with recent press releases highlighting must-see festivities and images from across the state that will bring press stories to life.
 
Designed for easy access to images and information about the state's many tourist destinations across all regions, this site is a perfect resource for all things Illinois.  From world-class shopping and historic sites to indoor and outdoor adventures, users can tour the state with the click of a mouse and explore Illinois' geographic, historic and cultural diversity. 
 
The Bureau updates this site at the beginning of each season to keep its users up-to-date on Illinois.  Stay tuned this winter for beautiful holiday scenes and winter festivities as the snow begins to fall.

Illinois student wins TIA scholarship 

The Travel Industry Association of America (TIA) recently awarded one of its coveted TIA Foundation Undergraduate Scholarships to Chicago resident and Roosevelt University student Megan Goodson. Currently seeking a bachelor's degree in hospitality and tourism management, Goodson is hoping to become an executive with a major hotel chain. She already holds an associate degree in restaurant management and culinary arts, and upon graduation from Roosevelt she plans to enter a hotel management training program. The Bureau wishes Megan good luck in her education and career and looks forward to working with her in the future!

Advertising space available in 2007 Illinois Travel Guide 

The Illinois Bureau of Tourism is pleased to announce that Madden Preprint Media (MPM) has been selected as the official publisher of the Illinois Travel Guide. 

MPM will be bringing a number of exciting new electronic components to the Travel Guide process that will help ensure broad exposure for Illinois tourism to both domestic and international travelers.  In addition, a team of award-winning print and electronic designers will help guarantee an approach that attracts and motivates target consumer segments. IBOT features a call-to-action for travelers to order a free copy of the Official Illinois Travel Guide in nearly all of its advertising and public relations efforts.

In order to maintain the highest levels of readability and creative integrity, the Illinois Travel Guide will limit advertising to no more than 30 percent of the entire publication.  Thus, advertisers’ messages are designed to stand out.  With the 30 percent limit, space will be reserved on a first come, first served basis.  To learn more about this exciting new approach and for advertising opportunities, please visit 2007 Illinois Travel Guide or contact Pati Flannery at (800) 226-0584; pflannery@maddenpreprint.com, or Joan Leslie Sharp at (800) 785-4833 or jsharp@maddenpreprint.com.