Choose Chicago announced that the "Windy City" had its first positive year-over-year change in visitor volume since 2007, surpassing the US overall by 4.5%.
Earlier this year, Mayor Rahm Emanuel announced that the city’s tourism efforts would be joined into one cohesive organization that would add visitors but also save $1.3 million a year. "The key driver behind the city’s improved travel volume was overnight travel," said a news release.
Chicago welcomed a record 23.07 million overnight business and leisure travelers – an increase of 11.3% over 2010.
Leisure travel fueled visitor growth with 31.8 million travelers – a 13.5% increase over 2010. Business travel to Chicago increased 5.1% to 10.58 million business travelers.
"This increase in visitors reflects what we already know – that Chicago is the most American of American cities, a place that attracts tourists and business visitors from around the globe to our world-class restaurants, outstanding museums, and vibrant and diverse neighborhoods," said Emanuel.
Chicago’s growth in domestic business and leisure visitors is nearly 50% more than the average overall visitation to the US.
"It is clear that 2011 was the turning point and that we are well on our way to achieving Mayor Emanuel’s vision for tourism as a driving force for Chicago’s growth," said Bruce Rauner, Choose Chicago Chairman.
By David Wilkening
