Chicago’s tourism industry made a powerful return in 2024. According to official data, more than 55 million tourists came to the city last year. This marks a major rebound after years of travel restrictions and economic uncertainty caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. Chicago has not only regained its spot among the top U.S. destinations but is also setting new tourism benchmarks for the country.
The information was released by Choose Chicago, the city’s tourism board, which reported strong growth across all segments—leisure, business, and international travel.
“This is a proud moment for our city. We’ve shown resilience and innovation to bring the world back to Chicago,” said Lynn Osmond, CEO of Choose Chicago.
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Several key factors made Chicago a favorite for tourists in 2024:
The largest share of visitors came from within the United States. Cities like Milwaukee, Detroit, Indianapolis, and St. Louis sent thousands of weekend travelers, especially for sports, shopping, and dining.
Families increasingly chose Chicago for its diverse attractions, including Navy Pier, the Shedd Aquarium, and Millennium Park. Chicago’s blend of city excitement and family-friendly spaces helped it outperform expectations.
International travel to Chicago grew significantly, especially from countries like Canada, the UK, Mexico, Germany, and India. With new direct international routes added in 2024, including flights from London, Frankfurt, and Delhi, Chicago became more accessible than ever.
Global marketing campaigns like “Chicago For All Seasons” were also key to attracting international tourists, showcasing the city as a year-round destination.
“We positioned Chicago as more than just a summer city. The winter festivities and fall colors added strong seasonal appeal,” said Osmond.
The influx of tourists brought a strong economic lift:
Discover more about Chicago’s economic recovery
Tourism helped stabilize many small businesses that struggled during the pandemic, especially in hospitality, food services, and event planning.
These iconic attractions led the charge in tourist numbers:
Many of these destinations ran special programs and seasonal events that enhanced the visitor experience and boosted repeat visits.
Digital innovation played a huge role in this tourism rebound. Chicago’s marketing team invested in:
These efforts reached new audiences on Instagram, YouTube, and travel forums, especially among Gen Z and millennial travelers.
With the success of 2024, city officials and business leaders are already planning for a bigger 2025. Upcoming events expected to draw large crowds include:
There’s also a focus on sustainable tourism—highlighting eco-friendly travel options, lesser-known neighborhoods, and heritage walking tours. The city plans to invest in green transportation and community-based tourism experiences.
“We want people to see neighborhoods like Pilsen, Hyde Park, and Humboldt Park. There’s more to Chicago than downtown,” added Osmond.
The return of 55 million visitors to Chicago in 2024 isn’t just a statistic—it’s a story of resilience, planning, and opportunity. The city embraced innovation, leveraged its strengths, and opened its arms to travelers with new energy.
For residents, the tourism rebound means jobs, growth, and renewed pride. For tourists, it’s proof that Chicago remains one of the most dynamic and welcoming cities in the world.
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