Chicago predicts a strong growth in tourism for 2022 as it reports an 86% increase in visitors in 2021 compared to 2020.
According to data released by Choose Chicago, domestic leisure travellers drove recovery in 2021 due to restrictions on international travel which remained in place until November. In total, the city hosted 30.7m domestic and international visitors in 2021.
The tourist information centre said tourism-related employment has returned to 60% of pre-pandemic levels, and tourism spending is estimated at $9.8bn, roughly half of 2019.
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In May, 2022, occupancy at hotels in the central business district averaged 66%, and room rates were around $242 per night, which it said surpassed May 2019 levels.
International visitation to Chicago is expected to return to pre-Covid levels by 2024.
Mayor Lori Lightfoot welcomed predictions for strong growth this year. He said: “I cannot overstate how proud I am of Chicago’s continued recovery from the Covid pandemic, where one of the most impacted industries was tourism. The numbers for 2021 show that visitors throughout the US and world are hungry to return to our incredible city.”
Lynn Osmond, chief executive of Choose Chicago, said: “The positive momentum from 2021 has continued into 2022. Looking ahead, we are going to continue to grow our share of national and international guests by showcasing the authentic and diverse experiences that Chicago offers.
“Simultaneously, we will engage with our neighbours locally and regionally to be tourists in their own town.
“Finally, we will leverage our global reputation as a city where business gets done to bring new meetings and conventions to Chicago.”
She added: “I have never been more confident in our ability to make a full recovery.”