Chicago Tourism Up 86% Over 2020 Levels 

(Updated with additional information)

Chicago hosted 30.7 million domestic and international visitors in 2021, an 86% increase over 2020, Choose Chicago announced Wednesday. The strong recovery came despite Chicago only achieving Phase 5 reopening in mid-June 2021, the international travel ban remaining in place until mid-November, and the country enduring the Delta and Omicron surges. 

Business travel continues to reflect a more significant contribution moving through 2022, said Choose Chicago. In May, occupancy at downtown hotels averaged 66%, and room rates averaged more than $242 per night, surpassing May 2019 levels.

Current employment levels in the hospitality sector are about 60% of pre-pandemic levels, Choose Chicago said. Meanwhile, total tourism spending for 2021 is estimated at $9.8 billion, about half of 2019. 

“The positive momentum from 2021 has continued into 2022,” said Choose Chicago CEO Lynn Osmond. “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 neighbors, locally and regionally, to be tourists in their own town. And, finally, we will leverage our global reputation as a city where business gets done to bring new meetings and conventions to Chicago.”