CHICAGO REPORTS HOSTING OVER 55.3 MILLION VISITORS IN 2024

By: Sorin Dutoiu | 26 May, 2025

Chicago hosted over 55.3 million visitors in 2024, marking a 6.5% increase over the previous year. International visitation surpassed 2 million for the first time since the pandemic, with a 10% year-over-year jump.

In a celebration of rising visitor numbers, international recognition, and forward momentum, Choose Chicago welcomed tourism leaders, hospitality executives, and civic stakeholders to its 2025 Annual Meeting of Partnership on May 15. Held at the iconic James M. Nederlander Theatre, the event spotlighted Chicago’s impressive rebound in 2024 and laid the groundwork for an ambitious year ahead.

Chicago reports hosting over 55.3 million visitors in 2024

The mood was upbeat as the city reported hosting over 55.3 million visitors in 2024, marking a 6.5% increaseover the previous year. Perhaps even more encouraging: international visitation surpassed 2 million for the first time since the pandemic, with a 10% year-over-year jump—a signal that Chicago’s global appeal is firmly back.

“This is a city that knows how to roll out the red carpet,” said Mayor Brandon Johnson during opening remarks. “Chicago isn’t just a great place to visit—it’s a driving force for our economy and a symbol of what’s possible when we invest in community, creativity, and connectivity.”

The event also marked the official introduction of Kristen Reynolds as President and CEO of Choose Chicago. Reynolds, who steps into the role during a period of record-breaking economic impact, described 2024 as a “pivotal year” and emphasized the city’s growing international profile.

“We are riding a wave of momentum,” Reynolds said. “Chicago’s story is resonating across the globe, and with events like IPW 2025, Sueños, and Lollapalooza on the horizon, we’re seizing every opportunity to share it.”

One of the highlights of the meeting was the presentation of the 2025 Tourism Champion Award to Juan Leyva, Chair of the Choose Chicago Foundation and a widely respected figure in the city’s hotel industry. Leyva, who began his hospitality journey as a parking attendant, was recognized not just for his career ascent but for his unwavering commitment to mentorship and community outreach.

“It’s incredibly humbling,” said Leyva. “This industry gave me everything. I’m determined to keep giving back and lifting others along the way.”

Further cementing Chicago’s status as a convention powerhouse, the National Restaurant Association Showannounced it will remain in the city through 2032. The event, which draws nearly 60,000 attendees annually, is a cornerstone of Chicago’s convention calendar.

“Few cities match the infrastructure, talent, and cultural cachet of Chicago,” said Lisa Malikow, SVP of Informa Connect. “It’s the ideal setting for one of the world’s most dynamic foodservice shows.”

In 2024, Choose Chicago’s convention and meeting bookings brought over $3 billion in economic impact through nearly 1,900 events. The sales team also secured 2.65 million future hotel room nights and 49 citywide conventions—a strong vote of confidence in Chicago’s capacity to host large-scale gatherings.

As Choose Chicago transitions leadership—with Guy Chipparoni set to take over as Board Chair on July 1—the organization is already gearing up for IPW 2025, the premier international travel trade show, taking place June 14–18 at McCormick Place. The event will draw thousands of global travel buyers, journalists, and tour operators to the city.

“We’re standing at the edge of a once-in-a-generation opportunity,” said Geoff Freeman, CEO of the U.S. Travel Association. “IPW is more than a trade show—it’s a global spotlight, and Chicago is ready.”

Choose Chicago is also expected to debut a new global marketing campaign during IPW, aiming to amplify its reach and reinforce its reputation as a must-visit city.

Outgoing Board Chair Glenn Eden, who served for six transformative years, reflected on the organization’s resilience through the pandemic and its renewed trajectory. “We’ve weathered storms, but we’ve never lost our spark,” Eden said. “The future of Chicago tourism is not only secure—it’s thrilling.”

With economic impact from tourism estimated at $20.6 billion in 2024, and a dynamic calendar of events on the way, the city is proving that recovery isn’t just possible—it’s powerful.

As Chicago looks ahead to a bustling summer and prepares to welcome the world in June, the message is clear: The Windy City is open for business—and more vibrant than ever.

CHICAGO WILL HOST IPW 2025, THE LARGEST INBOUND TRAVEL TRADE SHOW IN THE U.S.