Illinois looking to attract international visitors

CHICAGO (AP) — The state of Illinois is looking to attract more international visitors.

Illinois Office of Tourism Director Jen Hoelzle (HOH' zihl) will discuss the state's efforts Thursday when she gives her "State of the State of Tourism" address at the Governor's Conference on Travel and Tourism. So far she says the state spent $115,000 playing ads touting Illinois before the movie "Lincoln" played at theaters in the United Kingdom and Germany.

The state is trying to attract domestic visitors too. The office spent $50,000 putting an ad for EnjoyIllinois.com on auto racing star Danica Patrick's car at the Daytona 500. The deal includes another ad on a second Patrick car.

Illinois had 1.25 million overseas visitors in 2011. Hoelzle says that's good, but the state can do better.

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Online: http://www.enjoyillinois.com