About Us

Great Rivers and Routes Tourism Bureau is the state certified regional Destination Marketing and Management Organization (DMO)-501C6, which represents Madison, Macoupin, Montgomery, Jersey, Calhoun and Greene counties, and the City of East St. Louis in St. Clair County in southwest Illinois. Founded in 1985 as the Alton Regional Convention and Visitors Bureau, the bureau transitioned to Great Rivers and Routes Tourism Bureau in 2018 as the size and scope of the organization grew.

The Great Rivers and Routes region is the only place where the Mother Road of Route 66 meets the Great River Road. The region celebrates three of the nation’s great rivers (the Mississippi, Missouri and Illinois) alongside famous roads, history and small town charm. The bureau is certified by the Illinois Office of Tourism.

Our Purpose

To maximize livability and the experience of place for residents and visitors alike by driving economic growth through strategically developing and marketing our 39 communities as a vibrant regional destination.

We Believe In:

Vision: we are aspirational, bold and willing to take smart risks

Confluence:
we proactively bring communities and partners together to amplify our shared impact

Uplift:
we are thoughtful, helpful, and engaged with each other and our communities

Spirit:
we bring gratitude, humility, and a sense of humor to our work