Rend Lake Tourism Council upgrades to Bureau, receives more state funding

REND LAKE, Ill. -- The Illinois Office of Tourism approved the Rend Lake Area Tourism Council (RLATC) to become a Convention and Visitors Bureau (CVB) in 2025.

The change will allow an increase of state funds to flow into the tourism sector of Rend Lake. Illinois will match funding for the Rend Lake CVB based on money competing hotels make from bed taxes. This will allow the state to garner how much foot traffic comes through Rend Lake and divvy an appropriate amount of funds to the community.

By definition, a CVB is the main group in charge of promoting tourism in an area. The rebranding comes as a result of years-long efforts from the RLATC Board of Directors.

"This is just the beginning, and we are incredibly excited about what the future holds," the tourism council said in a press release on Friday. "The transition to a CVB will enable us to expand our reach and impact, bringing new opportunities to our community. The funds will be used not only to promote Rend Lake as a premier Tourism Destination but also to support local communities and events to show off our hometown pride and sense of community."

Rend Lake plans to use the funds for larger marketing campaigns, lure more conventions and events to the area, and fund infrastructure projects to allow for a better experience for travelers.

The council says it will work with local governments in Franklin County to learn how the funds can benefit the entire area, not just Rend Lake.

"This is something we should all be proud of as a community," said the council. "We look forward to working together to make this a positive impact on the beautiful Rend Lake area we get to call home."