Illinois Tourism Board Sells Ads Online

Offbeat sites, now available online

Illinois Bureau of Tourism has launched an online store to sell merchandise based on its popular ad campaign.

The shopping area on its primary Web site, EnjoyIllinois.com/shopoffbeat, features posters based on the tourism board's outdoor ads that mimic 1920s travel posters, spotlighting eccentric destinations like Collinsville (World's largest catsup bottle) and Alton (World's tallest man).

The campaign broke last summer on billboard and in transit stations, triggering 2,000 consumer requests for the posters.

"They've generated a great deal of interest from summer travelers and a great deal of pride from Illinois residents," said tourism board Deputy Director Jan Kostner is a statement.

JWT Chicago handles the ad campaign; its digital marketing arm, RMG Connect, handles the site.

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