The 2022 Illinois Governor’s Conference on Travel & Tourism kicked off Monday, Dec. 5, at Navy Pier in Chicago, with the 2022 Illinois Excellence in Tourism Awards ceremony honoring Illinois tourism leaders’ contributions to the industry. Governor JB Pritzker attended the event to address conference attendees prior to the awards ceremony. The Illinois Excellence in Tourism Awards were presented to honor the most successful tourism marketing and advertising initiatives, from convention and visitor bureaus (CVBs) and tourism destinations to attractions and innovators throughout the state who make Illinois shine. Travel and tourism professionals from across the industry judged submissions in nine categories, ranging from best public relations and social media marketing campaigns to best event or festival, with one exceptional entry receiving best of show. Each category contained a Budget A for organizations with annual operating budgets of $750,000 and above, and Budget B for organizations with budgets under $750,000.

Illinois Excellence in Tourism Award winners includes:

• Best Niche Targeting Budget A – Galena Country Tourism, #AmazingForAll Pride Series

• Best Niche Targeting Budget B – Looking for Lincoln Heritage Coalition, Looking for Lincoln Summer Fun on Route 66!

• Best Social Media Marketing Budget A – Choose Chicago, St. Patrick’s Day in Chicago

• Best Social Media Marketing Budget A – Visit Lake County, Spooks & Spirits Lake County, Illinois Autumn Celebration

• Best Social Media Marketing Budget B – Galesburg Tourism & Visitors Bureau, Stop on the Scenic Drive

For the full list of winners, visit www.enjoyillinois.com.

Photo Credit: Illinois Office of Tourism