DeKalb County visitors bureau awarded grant for international tourism

DeKALB – The DeKalb County Convention and Visitors Bureau recently was awarded a state grant, which agency officials said will encourage international tourism and grow Northern Illinois University’s student population.

The $33,600 was awarded by Gov. JB Pritzker and the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity as part of the state’s International Tourism Grant Program.

Bureau Executive Director Cortney Strohacker thanked the governor in a news release, and said the funds will boost DeKalb County to a “global audience.” She said bureau staff also will attend an international tourism summit to learn ways to attract foreign travelers.

“DeKalb County’s long history of agricultural innovation, educational opportunity and welcoming business climate have made our area an attractive destination for international visitors and students,” Strohacker said in the release.

The state program awarded $857,000 in total to 11 certified tourism and convention bureaus in Illinois, according to the release.

“Illinois is truly in the middle of everything, and our tourism industry is thriving like never before,” Pritzker said in a news release. “Thanks to the International Tourism Grant Program, 11 local tourism and convention bureaus will showcase the best of Illinois to global audiences, attract international visitors and drive growth to local economies statewide.”

The DeKalb County tourism agency plans to create interactive digital kiosks in high-traffic locations around the area. The kiosks will display options for local attractions, destinations, events, lodgings and restaurants.

The International Tourism Grant Program will increase international travel to Illinois by marketing efforts directed to identified target markets including Mexico, Canada, Germany, Austria, Switzerland, the United Kingdom, Ireland, France, India, Italy, Australia and New Zealand, according to the release.

Illinois welcomed 2.16 million international visitors in 2023, reflecting a 39% increase, according to data provided by Tourism Economics. International visitors also added about $2.7 billion to the state’s economy in 2023.

The DeKalb County Convention and Visitors Bureau works on the behalf of county stakeholders to attract travelers and overnight visitors to the area’s events, businesses and attractions.

The Illinois Office of Tourism leads tourism industry efforts to inspire visitation to and within Illinois.

For information, visit EnjoyIllinois.com or ExperienceDeKalbCounty.com.