International Tourism Grant Program

The International Tourism Grant Program is a funding opportunity provided by the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity to support certified convention and visitors bureaus outside the City of Chicago in their international marketing efforts. The program aims to increase international travel to Illinois by promoting destinations that are of interest to international travelers. The grant program will provide funding for eligible applicants to develop or expand their international tourism marketing programs. The program will prioritize funding for areas with an extensive international product, including bookable product with receptive tour operators and international tour operators. • The program is open to local tourism and convention bureaus certified by the Department to receive funds under 20 ILCS 605/705 and located outside the City of Chicago. • The grant program will provide funding for eligible expenditures, including brochures, advertising, travel expenses, familiarization tours, translation services, trade shows, sales missions, and international association fees. • Ineligible expenditures include purchase of equipment, administrative expenses, salaries not associated with international activities, and purchase of alcohol. • Each grantee shall provide matching funds equal to no less than 50% of the grant amount. • The grant program will be competitive, and applications will be scored based on criteria such as need, capacity, and quality.