Chicago Tourism Hits Record $21.5B With 56.8M Visitors

The 2025 total marks an increase of nearly 1.5 million visitors from the previous year, according to Choose Chicago, the city's official tourism marketing organization. The $21.5 billion in direct spending surpassed all prior records, reflecting strong demand for the city's hotels, restaurants, cultural institutions, and event venues.

The tourism surge supported 135,360 jobs across the hospitality and entertainment sectors, a figure that underscores the industry's role in the local economy. Choose Chicago attributed the growth to a combination of major conventions, leisure travel, and international visitation, though specific breakdowns by segment were not immediately available.

Hotel occupancy and average daily rates also climbed during the year, contributing to the spending total. The city's calendar of festivals, sports events, and cultural programming helped draw visitors throughout the year, including during traditionally slower winter months.

Local officials and business leaders have pointed to the record numbers as evidence of Chicago's recovery and appeal as a destination. The tourism agency said it expects continued growth in 2026, with several large-scale conventions and events already booked.