SPRINGFIELD – Gov. J.B. Pritzker on Friday signed into regulation Home Invoice 268, efficient instantly, that creates a framework for native governments to extend funding for native tourism tasks in collaboration with accommodations by creating native tourism districts.
Motels can qualify for the tourism districts if they will shoulder half of the proposed prices. If petitioning accommodations are accredited, they will cost as much as a 5 p.c fee per-room per-night that can go towards a fund overseen by a state-certified native tourism bureau.
State Sen. Sara Feigenholtz, D-Chicago, a lead sponsor on the invoice, stated the regulation will assist create extra assets for tourism promotion, whereas giving extra management to enterprise house owners within the state.
“Tourism Enchancment Districts put enterprise house owners again within the driver’s seat to direct advertising and marketing spending and spur progress,” Feigenholtz stated in a press release. “The extra revenues generated by these particular districts will likely be yet another device companies can use to attract guests to all corners of the state.”
So as to qualify, lodge house owners should file a petition outlining a district plan together with the boundaries of the proposed district, the size of the proposed time period and a short description of the proposed providers and enhancements they’re requesting. They need to additionally present they will pay greater than half of the prices that will likely be taken on by the district.
The post-pandemic measure is an try at spurring financial progress as native communities proceed to bounce again from the results of COVID-19.
“The tourism and hospitality sector is the second-largest employer in Illinois,” Feigenholtz stated. “Tourism Enchancment Districts will allow areas of our state to make use of this extra device in an effort to get better from the pandemic and produce guests again to Illinois.”
