Discover Downstate Illinois Welcomes the City of Paris as Newest Community Partner

Swansea, IL – The state’s largest tourism bureau has added another community to its 21-county coverage area. The City of Paris has joined Discover Downstate Illinois effective July 1st, making it the first community in Edgar County to be affiliated with a state certified tourism bureau.

Leaders in Paris aim to achieve several goals in terms of marketing and economic development while working with Discover Downstate Illinois, including increased awareness, tourism promotion, economic growth, and regional collaboration.

“Working with Discover Downstate Illinois provides an opportunity for collaboration and networking with other towns and attractions in the region,” explains Samantha Gonzalez, a small business owner in Paris. “This collaboration can lead to shared resources, joint marketing efforts, and cross-promotion, ultimately benefiting all the participating destinations.”

Community members in Paris admit interest in joining Discover Downstate Illinois started in early 2022 and steadily grew as more residents became aware of what the tourism bureau provided.

“There were a few businesses that noticed the Facebook posts and started to pay attention for the past year or so to what Discover Downstate Illinois does for small businesses,” says Corby Johnson, a business owner and proud resident. “We wanted to be involved because we care about the growth of Paris and its small business community.”

(Discover Downstate Illinois currently covers the following counties: Bond, Clark, Clay, Clinton, Crawford, Cumberland, Edwards, Fayette, Hamilton, Jasper, Lawrence, Marion, Monroe, Perry, Randolph, Richland, St. Clair, Wabash, Wayne, White, the City of Highland, and the City of Paris)