Chicago Tourism Hits Record $21.5B With 56.8M Visitors

Chicago welcomed a record 56.8 million visitors in 2025, generating $21.5 billion in spending, according to Choose Chicago. The figures mark a significant increase from the previous year, with nearly 1.5 million more visitors than in 2024.

The tourism surge supported 135,360 local jobs across the hospitality and entertainment sectors. The spending total reflects a historic high for the city, driven by strong attendance at conventions, cultural events, and leisure travel.

Choose Chicago attributed the growth to the city's expanded convention calendar and marketing efforts. The record numbers underscore Chicago's recovery and expansion in the tourism industry following the pandemic downturn.