Illinois Office of Tourism Grants

International Tourism Grant

Supports Illinois tourism organizations in global promotion through marketing campaigns for international visitor growth.

⚠ This may reflect a past cycle — verify the current call on the funder's site.

The International Tourism Grant is a 2026 state grant administered by the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO) through the Illinois Office of Tourism. It funds marketing campaigns by certified Illinois convention and visitors bureaus (CVBs) aimed at attracting international travellers to Illinois destinations. The programme is part of Illinois's goal to increase inbound international tourism, which generates hotel stays, spending, and tax revenue across the state. The 2026 application deadline is 15 June 2026. DCEO's tourism grant portfolio has distributed approximately $4.85 million or more across 60-plus grantees in recent award rounds, of which the International Tourism Grant is one component alongside the Route 66 Centennial Grant, Tourism Marketing — Balance, and Tourism Marketing — Cook County.

Eligibility is limited to certified Illinois convention and visitors bureaus. Private companies, individuals, and organisations outside the certified bureau framework cannot apply directly. Award amounts for individual grant recipients are not published in available source materials. The programme is administered under the Local Tourism and Convention Bureau Program (CSFA 1606) framework. Bureaus must hold current Illinois certification to qualify, and proposals must document international-market promotional activities — such as overseas advertising, trade-show participation, international media familiarisation trips, or partnership campaigns with international travel trade organisations targeting Illinois as a destination.

Applications are submitted through the DCEO grants portal by 15 June 2026. Competitive proposals will identify specific target international markets, detail proposed marketing channels and budgets, and project measurable outcomes such as international visitor nights and economic impact. Bureaus should confirm their certification is current before filing and review CSFA 1606 programme requirements. The International Tourism Grant deadline (15 June) falls four days after the Route 66 Centennial Grant (11 June) and three days before the Tourism Marketing grants (18 June), allowing bureaus to apply to multiple tracks in quick succession.