Illinois office of Tourism

October 14, 2022

Offering full-service representation across sales, marketing, PR and social media for Illinois Office of Tourism, Hills Balfour hosted four media from UK and Irish publications to experience small towns with big charm in the ‘Prairie State’.

Journalists from The Sun: Fabulous, Bella, Sunday Post and Irish Independent experienced real America, Midwest style. Offering press the opportunity to positively compare and contrast big city Chicago with the best of the US in Illinois, they journeyed to Geneva, Illinois then on to Galena and Rockford, accompanied by a Hills Balfour host.

Sampling authentic local experiences, the best of Chicago’s deep-dish pizza, Frank Lloyd Wright architecture and guided walking tours, the UK and Irish press trip highlighted that Illinois is the microcosm of America. From a cosmopolitan city of skyscrapers to farm to table dining, from horse riding in the great outdoors to pampering spa days and ghost tours.

In addition to social media support, coverage to date, gained as a result of the trip has a PR value in excess of £412,408, with additional leads still pending.