Tourism Leaders Promote Route 66

Heritage Corridor CVB Welcomes the World to America's Main Street in Illinois!

Representatives from the I&M Canal Heritage Corridor Convention and Visitors Bureau (CVB) participated in the travel industry's premier international marketplace this week.  Formerly known as International Pow Wow, IPW 2014 was held April 5-9 at McCormick Place.  Widely acclaimed as the largest generator of international tourism, IPW was expected to include more than 6,000 tourism representatives and 400 media outlets from 40 countries.   Bob Navarro, CVB President, and Julie Johnson, CVB Treasurer, held scheduled meetings with international travel and tour operators to welcome the world to America's Main Street in the Joliet area.  "Route 66 is very popular with our international friends in the UK, German and the Chinese seem to be interested as well," said Navarro.

"Our focus during IPW is to generate interest in Will County's Route 66 attractions, shops, and diners for one-, three-, or five day itineraries", said Johnson.  She added, "This event also drives economic impact in our region, as we showcase the entire I&M Canal Heritage Corridor to visitors worldwide," said Navarro.  The region is part US Travel Association and Brand USA's "Hidden Gems" and "Route 66" Post FAM (or familiarization) Tour scheduled immediately after the close of the tradeshow.  In addition, Heritage Corridor CVB has their own FAM Tour from France – which includes tour operators, travel writers and travel agencies interested in learning more about America's Main Street in Will County and Starved Rock State Park.  "These FAM Tours are the best way to show off what we have – once we can get those that book travel to experience the area – they are more likely to book their group and/or individual tours in the region in the future," Navarro explained.  Joliet Mayor Tom Giarrante was expected to meet the FAM tours on Thursday morning at the Joliet Area Historical Museum. 

The I&M Canal Heritage Corridor Convention and Visitors Bureau creates economic impact for the communities and counties along the historic Illinois & Michigan Canal.  For more information, go to www.HeritageCorridorCVB.com, or call 800.926.CANAL (2262).