CHICAGO — Illinois Governor JB Pritzker and the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO) have a message for Canadians: “We are ready to welcome you.”

The state has released a new video inviting Canadian travellers to visit Illinois, reaffirming the state’s strong relationship with Canada as a key tourism partner.

The message comes as the U.S. marks National Travel and Tourism Week (May 4-10).

“I don’t blame anyone from Canada whose appetite for visiting the U.S. might have soured – with our current president and the shameful way he’s represented us on the national stage as of late. But as Governor, and self–designated chief marketing officer of Illinois, I want to reassure you that we’re as eager as ever to have you come here,” said Gov. Pritzker.

He added: “Here in Illinois, we’re ready and eager to prove that Midwest nice is the closest thing to Canadian hospitality you can get south of Windsor. As you head south through our shared Great Lakes, we are ready to welcome you to the middle of everything.”

Canada leads the way as the state’s top international market. In 2023 Illinois welcomed 2.16 million international travellers in 2023, with more than half a million people (627,000) coming from Canada alone, according to Tourism Economics.

“From the start of Historic Route 66 in Chicago to Abraham Lincoln’s legacy in Springfield, to the breathtaking landscapes of Garden of the Gods in Southern Illinois, our state offers endless opportunities for exciting adventures and experiences,” said DCEO Director Kristin Richards. “We’re proud to welcome Canadian visitors to experience everything that makes Illinois so unique, diverse, and memorable.”

The Illinois Office of Tourism (IOT) is launching new social media campaigns in Canada, featuring the state’s Middle of Everything campaign and messaging that highlights Illinois as a welcoming destination for all. Earlier this year Illinois showcased its outdoor adventures at the Toronto Outdoor Adventure Show.

In 2024 Gov. Pritzker led a trade mission to Canada, where he met with government and business leaders, including Premier Doug Ford. Recently Gov. Pritzker spoke out against the Trump Administration’s proposed tariffs, connecting with Canadian Ambassador to the U.S. Kirsten Hillman as well as Canadian businesses in Illinois.

More information about travel to Illinois is at EnjoyIllinois.com. And to see Gov. Pritzker’s video message, click here.