Section 20 ILCS 665/4 - PowersThe Department shall have the following powers:
(a) To formulate a program for the promotion of tourism and the film industry in the State of Illinois, including, but not limited to, the promotion of our State Parks and local parks, fishing and hunting areas, historical shrines, vacation regions and areas of historic or scenic interest.(b) To cooperate with civic groups and local, State and federal departments and agencies, and agencies and departments of other states in encouraging educational tourism and developing programs therefor.(c) To publish tourist promotional material such as brochures and booklets.(d) To promote tourism in Illinois through all media, including but not limited to, the Internet, television, articles and advertisements in magazines, newspapers and travel publications and by establishing promotional exhibitions at fairs, travel shows, and similar exhibitions.(e) To establish and maintain travel offices at major points of entry to the State.(f) To recommend legislation relating to the encouragement of tourism in Illinois.(g) To assist municipalities, other units of local government, or local promotion groups in developing new tourist attractions including but not limited to feasibility studies and analyses, research and development, and management and marketing planning for such new tourist attractions.(i) To implement a program of matching grants and loans to counties, municipalities, other units of local government, local promotion groups and others, as provided in Sections 5 and 8a of this Act, for the development or improvement of tourism attractions and tourism events in Illinois under the terms and conditions provided in this Act.(j) To expend funds from the International and Promotional Fund, subject to appropriation, on any activity authorized under this Act.(k) To do any other acts that, in the judgment of the Department, are necessary and proper in fostering and promoting tourism in the State of Illinois.Amended by P.A. 102-0287,§ 5, eff. 8/6/2021. P.A. 90-26, eff. 7/1/1997; 91-357, eff. 7/29/1999; 92-38, eff. 6/28/2001.