Chicago Breaks Summer Tourism Records With More Than 3.5 Million Hotel Bookings
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CHICAGO ~ Chicago's tourism industry has had a record-breaking summer, defying national trends and showcasing the city's resilience and appeal. Mayor Brandon Johnson, along with Choose Chicago, the city's official destination marketing organization, celebrated this achievement today.

According to metrics from June, July, and August 2025, hotels in Chicago's Central Business District saw over 3.56 million room nights filled, a 4.3% increase from the previous year. This surpassed the pre-pandemic record set in the summer of 2019. The leisure travel sector saw a particularly strong summer with 2.5 million hotel rooms occupied, an 11.2% increase from 2024.

Mayor Johnson expressed his pride in the city and its people for making Chicago shine as a top tourist destination. He stated that tourism is not just about dollars but also about showcasing the city's culture and hospitality to visitors.

The revenue generated from summer hotel bookings reached an all-time high of $949 million, a 0.8% increase from last year. The tourism and hospitality industry is a vital driver of Chicago's economy, supporting 130,000 jobs across the city.

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Choose Chicago President and CEO Kristen Reynolds stated that Chicago continues to break records and remain a global destination despite facing challenges in the tourism industry. She credited this success to the city's world-class culture, food, events, and hospitality.

In 2024 alone, Chicago welcomed an estimated 55.3 million visitors who generated $20.6 billion in economic impact. Meetings and events played a significant role in this impact by generating over $3 billion in economic activity and introducing hundreds of thousands of new visitors to the city.

Deputy Mayor of Business and Neighborhood Development Kenya Merritt highlighted how this growth benefits all neighborhoods in Chicago by attracting investment opportunities.

The summer also saw four weekends with record-breaking hotel occupancy rates:

- Weekend of July 19: NIKE Tournament of Champions at McCormick Place, BLACKPINK at Soldier Field, and other events drove 92,643 room nights.

- Weekend of August 30: Labor Day leisure travel and multiple major concerts led to 91,559 room nights.

- Weekend of June 21: Pride Fest, American Diabetes Association conference at McCormick Place, and other events resulted in 91,384 room nights.

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- Weekend of August 2: Lollapalooza and other events brought in 91,049 room nights.

Lollapalooza alone generated $480 million for Chicago's economy, a $40 million increase from the previous year. The festival also paid $10.28 million in rent to the Chicago Park District and contributed an estimated $7.26 million in amusement tax revenue. Additionally, it provided over $184.6 million in wages for local workers.

Chicago's world-class conventions, sporting events, festivals, and concerts also drove a record-breaking summer at O'Hare International Airport. In July 2025 alone, the airport welcomed over 8.26 million passengers - the highest number in its nearly 70-year history. From January to July 2025, O'Hare saw a total of 48.3 million passengers - a 6.4% increase from the same period last year.

Commissioner Mike McMurray of the Chicago Department of Aviation stated that these record numbers prove Chicago's position as one of the world's premier travel destinations. He also highlighted O'Hare's role in driving economic growth and providing a world-class travel experience for visitors.

In conclusion, Chicago has had an exceptional summer season for tourism despite challenges faced by the industry globally. The city's cultural offerings, hospitality sector, and world-renowned events have continued to attract visitors and contribute significantly to its economy. With record-breaking numbers at hotels and airports, it is evident that Chicago remains a top destination for travelers.

Filed Under: Government, City

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