Chicago recorded an 86% increase in visitors last year compared with 2020, a result that shows pent-up tourism demand, city officials said Wednesday.
The 30.7 million domestic and international travelers who came to Chicago in 2021 represent a healthy business comeback that has continued through this year as pandemic restrictions ease, said Mayor Lori Lightfoot and leaders of Choose Chicago, the city’s tourism promoter. In 2020, amid a broader economic shutdown, the city reported just 16.3 million visitors.