Illinois opens $5 million in tourism grants for Route 66, international marketing, and local attractions

CHICAGO, IL (Chambana Today) — Governor JB Pritzker and the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity have announced $5 million in available tourism funding through three different grant programs.

Applications for all three programs are now open for communities, organizations, and tourism partners across the state. The funding is split into the Route 66 Grant Program, the International Tourism Grant Program, and the Tourism Marketing Partnership Grant Program, which have $2 million, $1 million, and $2 million available each.

Grantees will be selected through a competitive application process.

The announcement comes as Illinois tourism continues to break records. The state welcomed 113 million visitors who spent $48.5 billion in 2024, representing 500,000 additional travelers and $1.3 billion more in spending than the prior year. Illinois also reached its highest-ever hotel revenue in the fiscal year of 2025 at $367 million, a 14% increase over the previous record set in 2024.

“As our vibrant tourism industry continues to support job creation and boost local economies, these grants will help communities attract even more visitors from near and far to Illinois,” said Pritzker.

The Route 66 Grant Program is designed to promote, develop, and preserve assets along the historic corridor in celebration of the highway’s 100th anniversary this year. Grants range from $20,000 to $500,000, with applications accepted through June 11.

The International Tourism Grant Program aims to increase travel to Illinois from target markets including Mexico, Canada, the United Kingdom, Ireland, Germany, India, and Japan. Grants range from $10,000 to $200,000 with a 1:1 match requirement, and applications are accepted through June 15.

The Tourism Marketing Partnership Grant Program provides matching grants to help tourism partners market attractions, destinations, and events to both business and leisure travelers. Grants range from $10,000 to $100,000 with a 1:1 match requirement, and applications are accepted through June 17.

Interested applicants can visit the DCEO website to view the notices of funding opportunity and apply. Those needing assistance can contact CEO.GrantHelp@illinois.gov.