"Time for Me to Drive" Campaign Kicks Off Summer Tourism
SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – House Speaker Emanuel “Chris” Welch joined Governor JB Pritzker this week to kick off the “Time for Me to Drive” campaign to promote the return of tourism and travel to Illinois. After more than a year of hardship since the onset of the coronavirus, it is now time to get out and safely enjoy what Illinois has to offer.
"Illinois has been a model for the rest of the country in efforts to control the spread of the coronavirus, and we tip our hats to a job well done by Governor Pritzker," said Welch. "Now we get to focus our sights on rebuilding our economy and revitalizing our tourism industry. I want to encourage people from across the Midwest to get out, take a drive and enjoy all of what our beautiful state has to offer."
This new campaign features the hit song, "Time for Me to Fly," by Illinois native rock band, REO Speedwagon. Research shows that more than 70% of Americans are ready to begin traveling again and roughly two-thirds of citizens have taken a road trip since the pandemic began. Industry experts have recommended road trips as well, for people to safely enjoy the natural beauty of our nation.
In addition to the $6 million campaign, the Illinois Office of Tourism is working with convention and visitor bureau (CVB) partners to gather feedback on how to support renewed business across the state. There have been discussions surrounding tourism recovery initiatives with stakeholders, as well as gaining input on how to reinvigorate revenues that visitors bring to Illinois.
"After an incredibly difficult year in which the pandemic kept us all close to home and staying apart, lifesaving vaccines are bringing us back to life and heading toward a summer of fun and venturing out,” said Governor Pritzker. “I'm proud to launch the Time for Me to Drive Campaign - inviting people to see all of Illinois, showing off adventures of all kinds: Historic sites and winery tours, state parks and rock climbing, hiking, and zip-lining, hundreds of craft breweries and thousands of excellent restaurants across the state."
The campaign highlights Illinois’ seven national scenic byways and highways. Featured trips include iconic museums, world-class architecture, and natural wonders like the Shawnee National Forest and the Garden of the Gods. There will be itineraries available that also promote the many destinations in and around Chicago. To view and download media for the “Time for Me to Drive” campaign click here. To learn more about the new travel itineraries, please visit www.enjoyillinois.com.