Chicago has set another tourism record in 2017 with 55.2 million arrivals, up 2.5% on 2016.
That equates to an increase of 1.4 million.
The city’s tourism industry now supports an estimated 146,500 jobs, said mayor Rahm Emanuel.
"Tourism in Chicago means jobs throughout Chicago. By continuing to set new tourism records and bring millions more people to Chicago every year, we are generating economic opportunities that reach every Chicago neighborhood."
The 2017 total actually meets Choose Chicago’s original target of 55 million arrivals two years ahead of schedule.
Chicago hotel room occupancy grew 3.3% in 2017, and the leisure market swelled by 6.3%.
Last year saw the debut of five new hotels with another eight scheduled to open in 2018.
The convention and meetings industry also showed positive growth in 2017, which the mayor’s office called ‘another encouraging industry trend.’
"Our goal now will be to harness this momentum and continue to build upon it," said Desiree Rogers, board chair of Choose Chicago.
