Illinois Governor JB Pritzker is fueling tourism with a cash injection of $3.3 million into projects lining the famed Route 66, said an announcement made by the state's Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity, as Illinois preps for the route's centennial bash in 2026. Known as the Main Street of America, Route 66's legacy is getting a modern twist, with grants aimed at bringing electric vehicle infrastructure to its storied tract and boosting experiences for the travelers who trek its path.
"Like so many great things, Route 66 begins in Chicago, travels Illinois, and spreads across the country delighting millions and forming an essential part of our nation," Pritzker stated, the state's investment seeks not only to preserve the cultural relevance of the route but to cement Illinois as a hub of American exploration and innovation. Stretching 300 miles across Illinois, the historic highway's influence touches many towns, where locals anticipate the preservation and enhancement efforts to drive up visits and shine a spotlight on their homegrown attractions.
DCEO Director Kristin Richards echoed the excitement, touting Illinois as a prime destination for both business and pleasure and pointed out the significance of the Route 66 Grant Program in elevating the state's tourism industry, according to a statement. Richards emphasized Illinois' appeal and the importance of adapting to tourism trends like electric vehicles to meet future traveler needs. The program, thus, prioritizes projects consistent with such evolving tourism and transportation dynamics.
Demonstrating the economic draw of Route 66, Illinois boasted a record-breaking $308 million in hotel tax revenue for FY23, topping pre-pandemic heights, with over 111 million visitors who spent $44 billion in 2022, these figures represent a hefty jump from 2021, reflecting an uptick in both foot traffic and consumer spending across the state according to state data. This monetary leap is a testament to the state's dedicated tourism efforts, including its "Middle of Everything" campaign which spurred an extra 2 million trips, contributing to an impressive $1 billion spent in local establishments.
Legislators from Illinois districts, such as Senate Assistant Majority Leader David Koehler and House Assistant Majority Leader Jay Hoffman, praised the program as vital to continuing tourism growth and sustainable practices, emphasizing the state-led initiative's commitment to clean energy with the installation of EV charging stations along the famed route. Notably, the "Middle of Everything" promotional campaign has proved its weight in gold, as every dollar spent on the campaign resulted in $91 in visitor spending, and $10 in state and local tax revenue, showcasing the effectiveness of Illinois' tourism strategies in driving substantial economic benefits for the state.
