FY 27 US Travel Association Membership Dues for CY 2027

The Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO), Office of Tourism, has issued a notice of intent to award a sole-source contract to the US Travel Association for calendar year 2027 membership dues, with a due date of December 2, 2026. The notice states that the hearing will be canceled unless an interested party submits written comments or a written request for a hearing by that date.

The Sole Source Justification Form values the dues at $105,000, funded from State Appropriated Funds, with a need-by date of January 1, 2027. The State Purchasing Officer approved the justification on November 5, 2026. The DCEO justifies the sole-source designation on the basis that the US Travel Association is the only national organization representing all facets of the U.S. travel industry and all 50 states, and that Illinois would be the only state without representation if membership lapsed. The form states that the association alone sets the fee based on state classification and budget metrics, and that the fee is not subject to negotiation or competition.

The DCEO has maintained continuous membership since the 1990s. Annual renewals since 2016 have ranged from $72,500 to $105,000, and the two most recent terms were procured as sole source. Stated membership benefits include proprietary research (monthly newsletters, Travel Price Index data, and quarterly consumer insights), complimentary registrations to multiple industry events, participation in the International Pow Wow (IPW), and participation in the National Council of State Tourism Directors.