Surprising landscapes. Routes less travelled. Small town charm. Unexpected finds in big cities. Illinois – in the heart of America – is truly unique. At this year's World Travel Market 2014, Illinois is celebrating all of its hidden gems and sharing the 2015 initiatives that will continue to build the state as an attractive destination for international visitors.

“Here in Illinois we have so many wonderful attractions for couples, friends and families,” said Jen Hoelzle, Deputy Director of the Illinois Office of Tourism. “At this year's World Travel Market, stop by our Illinois Office of Tourism booth and learn more about the states hidden gems, from big city adventures to small town charms.'

Chicago

With everything you could hope for in a getaway – from museum hopping to world-class dining, shopping to beach activities – Chicago is a diverse and cosmopolitan hub of Illinois. The city is the perfect base with its international airport and transport links to depart on an adventure into the wider state.

Hotel connoisseurs are more than satisfied with Chicago's impressive list of properties; The Soho House Hotel, Hotel Indigo and The Godfrey Hotel Chicago all opened their doors in the city in 2014, offering the best in luxury accommodation. Further openings later this year and early 2015 will reaffirm Chicago's position as a leader in luxury hotels in the US. Joining the list, the much anticipated Virgin Hotel is launching in the coming months in the historic Old Dearborn Bank landmark, built in 1928. Also joining the list, the Loews Chicago Hotel will open in 2015, featuring a rooftop lounge and spectacular lake and city views.

The city boasts a never-ending list of attractions such as “The Tilt” at 360 Chicago, featuring a glass moveable platform installed this year, allowing visitors to stand at an adventurous angle, 94 floors up – a new way to see the city! Shopaholics are spoilt for choice with big brands and fashion along the Magnificent Mile to outlet malls such as the Fashion Outlets of Chicago which opened last year by O'Hare International Airport and the Chicago Premium Outlets outside of Downtown Chicago, which will be expanded in 2015. 

Beyond Chicago

To the north of the city, Chicago's North Shore provides distinctive charm, bordering the stunning shores of Lake Michigan. Visitors to the area can enjoy a host of cultural and historical attractions including the Baha'i Temple and breath-taking nature at the Chicago Botanic Gardens. Also nearby is the Six Flags Great America theme park in Gurnee; the new wooden rollercoaster “Goliath” has broken not one, but three world records!

Also beyond Chicago, tourists can discover the hidden gem of the Heritage Corridor, a recreational dream with miles of trails and waterways stretching from Starved Rock State Park & Lodge. Starved Rock State Park, known for its fascinating rock formations and natural beauty, features a range of activities for holidaymakers to enjoy, from kayaking to hiking. The lodge offers year round activities for all the family including eagle watching in the winter to wildflower identification in the summer. Overnight stays feature a traditional 1930s style Log Cabin setting, nestled among tall pines and towering oaks, with trails to the canyon you can see right from your front porch or Lodge wing rooms – with knotty pine paneling from floor-to-ceiling. For those looking for a little extra luxury, there is also a Hotel wing with large rooms near the pool complex. 

One of the most famous hidden gems of the state lies in Rockford, a historic city just 90 miles northwest of Chicago. The city features the spectacular Anderson Japanese Gardens, named one of the highest quality Japanese gardens in North America by Sukiya Living Magazine. Calm and tranquil, this twelve acre, award winning landscape is comprised of koi-filled ponds, winding paths and cascading waterfalls, and welcomes thousands of visitors each year. For those seeking a little adventure, the new Zip Rockford attraction is Rockford's first ever zip line adventure – offering five different zip lines that reach speeds of up to 40 mph and soar up to 70 feet in the air. Also in Rockford, visit the newly-opened Frank Lloyd Wright's Laurent House, the only building designed by the famed architect for a person with a disability. Ninety minutes to the west, visitors will find small town charm in Galena, with its classic American Main Street and family-run wineries on the Northern Illinois Wine Trail.

The Great River Road

Driving enthusiasts can enjoy scenic byways like the Great River Road and view majestic American bald eagles, whilst following the path of the Mississippi River. Alton is one of the picturesque stop offs, where you can view the meeting of the Great Rivers and learn about the history of Lewis & Clark, taking in the stunning views from the Lewis & Clark Confluence Tower. Also on the Great River Road, visit the Pere Marquette State Park, the largest state park in Illinois, known for its guided Autumn colour drives and horseback riding through the forest.

Route 66

Cutting through Illinois on a 300-mile stretch, the iconic Route 66 Scenic Byway is a famous, bucket list destination and a remarkable piece of history, which lives on today with its many roadside attractions, museums and restaurants. Plan your route and stop off at some of the most loved cafés, diners and drive-ins, perfect for weary road trippers, like the Cozy Dog Drive In. Located on Old Route 66 since 1949, visitors can also find a wonderful selection of Route 66 memorabilia and souvenirs there.

Like modern-day billboards, quirky roadside oddities along Route 66 were designed to attract people to local businesses – view them in all their glory today; the World's Largest Catsup Bottle in Collinsville is among the most popular. Old fashioned petrol stations, drive in movie theatres and roadhouses that have stood the test of time, provide a look back to the glory days of the Mother Road. See these and the self-appointed caretakers of the Mother Road – the people that have dedicated their lives to preserving it and telling its stories, during your visit.

Central Illinois

The central Illinois city of Champaign offers the exciting new Blue Waters Supercomputer Technology Tour, where visitors can tour the impressive 3D visualisation lab and experience first-hand how the Milky Way was formed.

Also central, the historic town of Springfield is home to more Lincoln sites than anywhere else in the nation. Explore everything from the Lincoln Home National Historic Site and Lincoln-Herndon Law Office to the Lincoln Tomb. Visitors can also see “Lincoln: From History to Hollywood,” featuring key sets, costumes and props from the award winning movie 'Lincoln' at the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum. Opening in 2015, shopaholics looking for a bargain can visit the Outlets of Springfield, which will feature more than 80 outlet stores.

During World Travel Market 2014 the hidden gems above will be at the forefront of the conversation, visit stand XX to learn more!

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Notes to editors:

The Illinois Office of Tourism directly supports the travel industry by promoting visitor travel both domestically and internationally, to help grow the tourism industry throughout the state.  The Illinois Office of Tourism is funded by a percentage of the state's hotel and motel tax revenue.

MEDIA CONTACTS:

Carlie Wittred, FleishmanHillard, London

carlie.wittred@fleishmaneurope.com

020 7395 7029

Ali Bedford, FleishmanHillard, London

ali.bedford@fleishmaneurope.com

020 7395 7030