(WSIL) -- Governor JB Pritzker and the Illinois Department of Commerce & Economic Opportunity (DCEO) Tuesday announced a new $10 million grants program aimed at revitalizing the tourism industry by bringing back new and returning tourism attractions and festivals.
The Tourism Attractions and Festivals Grant program is made possible with support of federal dollars from the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) and is part of a broader effort underway by the Pritzker administration to help reinvigorate tourism in Illinois and to put the industry on a path to economic recovery from COVID-19.
Through a Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) issued Tuesday, tourism and festival businesses and entities can submit for grants of up to $1 million that may be used to establish and enhance tourism attractions or festivals planned for this year or next.
Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis until funds are depleted with awards made quarterly and the department will have the ability to fund applications most closely aligned to eligibility criteria approved for immediate funding. To view the NOFO, please visit .
“From our state parks to our famous drives to our world-renowned restaurants, wineries, and architecture, Illinois has earned our status as a major international destination for business and leisure travel,” said Governor JB Pritzker."In partnership with the General Assembly, I’ve built an expanded tourism recovery grants program to help more of Illinois� communities reclaim their piece of the pie. We’re bringing visitors back into our communities, supporting our hospitality & entertainment businesses, and helping to return more Illinois residents to the job � another step toward getting our state back on track.�
Eligible applicants include units of local government, municipalities, county, not-for-profit and for-profit organizations, or local promotions groups. The funds may be utilized for capital projects, equipment, training, transportation, housing, receptions, entertainment, photography, temporary housing, and interpretive programs, like exhibits and installations - to further develop new attractions and events to attract visitors to Illinois.
Proposed attractions and festivals must demonstrate how this award will help businesses in the surrounding area and will be evaluated based on marketing value and ability to attract visitors for overnight stays.
Projects will score higher based on proximity to commercial corridors and services - including hotels/motels, restaurants, retail, and other commercial operations. Attractions include but are not limited to: museums and cultural centers; theme/amusement parks; outdoor activities and recreation sites; and other facilities or businesses that attract or serve visitors.
A technical assistance webinar will be held on Wednesday, August 25, from 1 � 2 p.m. to explain application requirements, program eligibility and program guidelines. To sign up for the webinar, please visit .
