CHICAGO (July 6, 2008) — The Illinois Bureau of Tourism (IBOT) has launched a new Spanish Web site (www.disfrutaillinois.com) to promote Illinois tourism among Hispanic travelers. The new site features an interactive home page, information about destinations throughout the state and even stories from Chicago Hispanic celebrities about their favorite destinations in Illinois. The San Jose Group (SJG), IBOT’s Hispanic agency of record, created the Web site.
“We wanted to enhance the previous Spanish Web site so that Hispanic travelers could have even more tools to plan the perfect Illinois trip,” said Jan Kostner, deputy director of the Illinois Bureau of Tourism. “Illinois has so many destinations to offer and our new Web site makes it easy for visitors to find the destinations and activities relevant to their interests.”
The unique home page greets visitors with a kitchen setting featuring two couples. Each person represents a different personality type (amiable, analytical, expressive and assertive), making the site appealing to all trip planners. A fifth person featured on the home page is a young girl who takes visitors to the children’s area of the Web site. Clicking on each character takes visitors to pages based on their interests and preferences.
“IBOT’s new Web site really engages visitors, responding to each person’s psychographic profile,” added Jim Legg, vice president of account service at SJG. “We’re really excited to offer this culturally relevant resource for Hispanic travelers.”
The new Web site also features stories from Telemundo Chicago reporter Tsi-tsi-ki Felix and Jose Ovalle, artistic director of the Mexican Folkloric Dance Company of Chicago, about their own experiences in Illinois. Visitors can learn about Tsi-tsi-ki’s favorite places in Chicago and all the towns and state parks Jose has seen while traveling the state with his family and his dance company.
Other sections of the Web site include a calendar of seasonal events, top spots in every region of Illinois and three-day trips that provide a detailed itinerary of the best restaurants, sightseeing activities and events in the area. Visitors can also learn about Illinois destinations based on their interests, from water parks to state parks. A photo gallery allows visitors to get a clear picture of what traveling in Illinois can look like.
Within the next couple months, travelers will even be able to book their Illinois trip in Spanish directly on the Web site. In the meantime, those interested can book an Illinois package by calling 1-866-610-GOZA and talking to a Spanish-speaking travel professional. Visitors can also request a free copy of the Vive la emocion travel brochure by calling the toll-free number or ordering it through the Web site at www.disfrutaillinois.com.
About The San Jose Group
Incorporated in 1981, The San Jose Group specializes in developing innovative marketing communications solutions that connect brands and consumers to their core purpose. The agency is the anchor to The San Jose Network, Ltd., the largest group of marketing communications agencies serving U.S. Hispanic and Latin American markets.For more information, visit www.thesanjosegroup.com, The Illinois Bureau of Tourism (IBOT), Telemundo Chicago and Mexican Folkloric Dance Company of Chicago.