Illinois Office of Tourism Partners with MacGillivray Freeman Films to Preview New Virtual Reality Experience at World Travel Market Trade Show in London

New Enjoy Illinois VR experience to be used as training tool for travel industry professionals

5 November 2018: The Illinois Office of Tourism revealed the state's new Enjoy Illinois virtual reality (VR) experience today during an exclusive media event at this year's World Travel Market (WTM) Trade Show in London. The Illinois Office of Tourism plans to roll out the new Enjoy Illinois VR experience in Spring of 2019 to international travel trade specialists and media as a training tool to better market Illinois as a premier travel destination.

“The new VR experience will help professionals in the travel trade industry gain a better understanding of two iconic road trips in Illinois – historic Route 66 and Great River Road,” said Cory Jobe, director of the Illinois Office of Tourism.

Created by award-winning MacGillivray Freeman Films, three-minute virtual reality film along Route 66 and Great River Road allows people to immerse themselves in the state from a distance, making in the perfect tool for overseas travel industry specialists.

MacGillivray Freeman Films is best known for innovative cinematography that is used as guides to better understand the world today. The team's high-quality filmography has been nominated for Academy Awards, entered into the IMAX Hall of Fame and has earned more than a billion dollars in worldwide ticket sales.

“Immersive visual storytelling is an incredible way to get people excited and inspired to visit key destinations said Shaun MacGillivray, president of MacGillivray Freeman Films. “Our goal in partnering with the Illinois Office of Tourism is to stimulate people's sense of wonder and show them all of the possibilities for adventure in Illinois.”

Locations to be Featured in the Enjoy Illinois VR Experience

• Historic Route 66 Begin Sign in Chicago
• Buckingham Fountain in Chicago
• Gemini Giant in Wilmington
• Pontiac Route 66 Mural in Pontiac

• Historic Old Brick Road in Auburn
• Springfield
• Lincoln Tomb in Springfield
• Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum in Springfield
• Lincoln Home in Springfield
• Galena's Main Street
• Tri-State Trolley in Galena
• John Deere Pavillion in Moline
• Alton/Grafton
• Pink Elephant Antique Museum in Livingston
• World's Largest Catsup Bottle in Collinsville
• Cahokia Mounds in Collinsville
• The Old Chain of Rocks Bridge in Edwardsville
• Grafton Zipline Adventures
• Great River Road

The Illinois Office of Tourism also plans to include a 360 VR experience on the Enjoy Illinois website and on Facebook as well.

For more updates, information on events and new attractions around the state and travel ideas throughout Illinois, visit www.enjoyillinois.co.uk

About the Illinois Office of Tourism

The Illinois Office of Tourism is the government agency responsible for marketing Illinois to domestic and international visitors. We're Illinois – Are YOU up for amazing? For more information, visit our website at www.enjoyillinois.co.uk

 About MacGillivrayFreeman.com

MacGillivray Freeman Films is the world's foremost independent producer and distributor of giant- screen 70mm films with 40 films for IMAX and giant-screen theatres to its credit. Throughout the company's 50-year history, its films have won numerous international awards including two Academy Award® nominations and three films inducted into the IMAX Hall of Fame. MacGillivray Freeman's films are known for their artistry and celebration of science and the natural world. It is the first documentary film company to reach the one-billion-dollar benchmark for worldwide box office. For more information about the company, visit www.macgillivrayfreemanfilms.com.

The Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity, Office of Tourism manages industry efforts that result in sustainable and significant economic and quality-of-life benefits for Illinois residents.