Geneva is the latest city to join the Aurora Area Convention and Visitors Bureau, bringing the roster of area cities in the organization to 12.
Geneva Mayor Kevin Burns said entering into a tourism agreement and moving under the collective power of the Aurora Area tourism umbrella was a way for the city to expand travel and tourism outreach locally, regionally and nationally.
“Geneva’s strategic investment in the Aurora Area Convention and Visitors Bureau is designed to complement and enhance our collective passion for marketing our community overall, the assets we are most proud of, and the potential of attracting more people to the 10 square miles we call home,” Burns said.
Cort Carlson, Aurora Area Convention and Visitors Bureau executive director, said Geneva is already “one of the most popular destinations in Chicago’s western suburbs.”
“It’s well-known for its scenic location along the Fox River, its walkable, small town feel, its busy downtown business district filled with restaurants, retailers and beautiful, landmarked architecture,” Carlson said. “We are thrilled Geneva is joining our roster of surrounding communities, and expanding our regional footprint even further north.”
The organization already represents Batavia next door to Geneva, and in October welcomed in Elburn as the 11th city in the bureau. The other nine cities are Aurora, Big Rock, Hinckley, Montgomery, North Aurora, Oswego, Plano, Sugar Grove and Yorkville.
With a population of 21,393, Geneva is the county seat of Kane County. First settled in the 1830s, Geneva became an important route by railroad from Chicago and later the Lincoln Highway.
Some of the city’s attractions include the Geneva History Museum and the Fabyan Forest Preserve, which includes the Fabyan Windmill, an old Dutch windmill dating back to the 1850s.
The city boasts an extensive bike trail system including portions of the Fox River Trail and the Illinois Prairie Path.
The city also boasts minor league sports, both the Kane County Cougars of the American Association, who play at Northwestern Medicine Field, and the Chicago Steel, of the U.S. Hockey League, which plays at the Fox Valley Ice Arena.
The city also hosts many festivals during the year, including Swedish Days, the Festival of the Vine and the Geneva Arts Fair.
Coming up next is Geneva’s annual Christmas Walk, always a major holiday attraction, on Friday, Dec. 6, and the Holiday House Tour, Dec. 6 and 7.
slord@tribpub.com
