Chicago tourism has yet to return to pre-pandemic levels, but it could fully recover by 2024, and possibly before, industry leaders said.
In the four weeks ending July 9, hotel occupancy in the central business district was 75%, compared with 81% during the same time in 2019, according to research firm STR. And, in the first six months of the year, hotel stays generated 82% of the tax revenue they did during the same time pre-pandemic, according to Choose Chicago.
Industry leaders expressed optimism at a news conference Wednesday about the pace at which tourism is returning. In the week leading up to the July 4 holiday, hotel occupancy exceeded 2019 levels for the first time since the start of the pandemic, said Michael Jacobson, CEO of the Illinois Hotel and Lodging Association.
