News You Can Use
The Illinois Governor’s Conference on Tourism invites tourism professionals to “Make News” in 2008 Caring for the environment: How the Kimpton brand is making a difference Appealing to the customer experience—trend insight for restaurateurs from a restaurateur IBOT initiates Underground Railroad tourism project Illinois spreads the Blues at London’s WTM Illinois hotel executives honored with awards Smoke-Free Illinois Act implemented

Highlights
January 21—IBOT offices closed for Martin Luther King Day

February 11—IBOT offices closed for Lincoln's Birthday

February 13-15—Illinois Governor's Conference on Tourism

February 18—IBOT offices closed for Presidents' Day

Can you believe it’s already 2008? I hope that you've all had a wonderful holiday season and a festive New Year's celebration. This is the time for resolutions and I'm sure we've all been making them. Some are easier to keep than others, but it definitely helps when you can share them with your peers.

In that spirit, I'd like to recommend some New Year's resolutions for the Illinois tourism industry to take on as a team. I know that together we can keep them.

Starved Rock is one of the Seven Wonders
The 2007 Seven Wonders of Illinois promotion created a great opportunity for both nominees and winners to use the contest as a public relations and marketing tool. Starved Rock State Park took full advantage of this opportunity in a way that can serve as a good destination marketing example to other attractions.

Objective

• Create awareness of Starved Rock State Park as one of the official Seven Wonders of Illinois
• Drive visitors to Starved Rock State Park and Lodge

Strategy
Leverage Starved Rock’s designation as one of the official Seven Wonders of Illinois in marketing materials in order to boost tourism.