ILLINOIS SEES DOUBLE-DIGIT INCREASE IN INTERNATIONAL TOURISM

SPRINGFIELD - Marking National Tourism Day, Governor George H. Ryan today announced that Illinois recorded a double-digit increase in international overseas visitors last year.

"There is no question that Illinois' commitment to the international tourism market is paying dividends," Ryan said. "These latest statistics report a good bill of health for the state of our travel and tourism industry, which has a nearly $20 billion impact on our state economy and accounts for nearly one in 10 Illinois jobs."

Ryan is seeking a $5 million increase in funding to promote tourism this year.

The U.S. Commerce Department reported that Illinois recorded a 10.5 percent increase in overseas tourism with the number of travelers rising from 1.14 million in 1997 to 1.26 million in 1998.

In addition, the federal report shows that Chicago has replaced Boston as the ninth-most popular U.S. city for overseas travelers to visit.

Illinois' efforts to promote tourism are overseen by the Department of Commerce and Community Affairs, which invests about $3 million a year in efforts to promote Illinois as an international destination both for business and leisure travelers. DCCA's Bureau of Tourism estimates that international tourism had a $1.378 billion impact on Illinois' economy during 1997.

The state's international marketing efforts are focused primarily on two countries -- the United Kingdom and Germany.

Preliminary figures released by the U.S. Commerce Department showed that Illinois became the sixth-most popular stopping point for overseas visitors to U.S. states and territories. Ranked eighth in 1997, Illinois moved ahead of both Massachusetts and Guam by increasing its share of U.S. overseas visitors from 4.7 percent in 1997 to 5.3 percent in 1998.

Ryan also announced today that more than $405,000 in Tourism Marketing Partnership grants will be distributed to 33 not-for-profit agencies throughout the state. The grants represent the third round of a $1.4 million program designed this year to help local organizations -- from the Ravinia Festival to the Nauvoo Chamber of Commerce to the New Salem Lincoln League -- promote area attractions and events.

"These grants give local tourism groups the resources they need to bring visitors to their communities," DCCA Director Pam McDonough said. "Our goal is to inspire more people to explore the outstanding lineup of sites and destinations Illinois has to offer, especially for Illinois residents who are looking for a weekend getaway."

More than 40 percent of state tourism funding is returned to local organizations. The Marketing Partnership Grant program also leverages local dollars for tourism, with $1.4 million in grants being matched by $1.8 million in local funding this year.

Attached is a list of the grant recipients. For more information on the Marketing Partnership Grant Program, call 217/557-2409.