Enjoy Illinois

The lovely team from Enjoy Illinois came to Dublin on April 14th and invited Travelbiz to an educational event with a follow-up afternoon tea in one of Dublin’s premier locations, the magnificent Shelbourne Hotel overlooking St Stephen’s Green.

A trade workshop showcased Great Rivers and Routes (presented by Cory Jobe), Heritage Corridor Destinations (presented by Bob Navarro) and Visit Springfield (presented by Darrin Thurman) proved informative and very positive. Great videos accompanied the presentations and I was hooked! Many have visited that marvellous city, Chicago, but there’s so much more to Illinois and this event really piqued interest in the whole State. The presenters wowed us all and encouraged exploration not just of the shores of Lake Michigan (an immensely strategic situation), but of further charms of the State. Illinois is smack bang in the middle of the Midwest and in the middle of the United States. Kinda central!

Who could forget iconic Route 66? Its Centennial Celebration is 2026, so America’s most famous road beckons us all to celebrate 100 years. Capital of Illinois is historic Springfield (move over Bart Simpson!) and Route 66 is right alongside. The Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library & Museum there is a must see. The Great River Road stretches along the Mississippi River for 2.000 miles across 10 States and the area is an outdoor paradise for campers, bird watchers, anglers, hikers and vintage riverboat tours. The Heritage Corridor allows one to experience mid-century Americana and Starved Rock Country offers super canal towns, classic diners and beautiful terrain. The Mother Road meets the River Road.

Afternoon tea at the Shelbourne Hotel is pretty iconic and the luxurious surrounds and delectable titbits served appear like a feast from a fairytale. Invited guests enjoyed not only enjoyed Illinois company, but the ideal choice of venue too! The UK & Ireland team were well represented by Alex Perez, Melissa Blackburn and Rebecca O’Sullivan and offered assistance for further information to Enjoy Illinois!