Chicago, US 2025 Tourism Surges To Record Highs: Hotels, Conventions And New Attractions Prime The City For 2026

Published on December 11, 2025

Astonishingly, the tourism sector in Chicago seemed to be reborn in 2025, as the official destination marketing organization Choose Chicago announced summer hotel demand that not only broke the records of the previous years but also set an all-time high. The period from June to August saw hotels in the city’s downtown area selling over 3.56 million room nights, which was a rise of 4.3 percent from 2024 and also the highest summer occupancy level for the years after 2019.

That translated into nearly 949 million USD in hotel revenue, placing 2025 among the most profitable years for Chicago’s hospitality sector.

Officials described this as more than just numbers, it was a sign of renewed confidence in Chicago’s appeal to both leisure and business travellers.

Conventions, Events and Cultural Showcases Fuel Growth

An important pillar of this tourism surge was the strong turnout for meetings, conventions and cultural events. In particular, the 2025 IPW 2025, the largest international inbound-travel trade show in the U.S. drew thousands of travel buyers and media from more than 70 countries, showcasing Chicago’s iconic sights and cultural depth.

This flurry of event activity came alongside the roll-out of Choose Chicago’s new global marketing campaign, Never Done. Never Outdone. The campaign is designed to capture and amplify the dynamic spirit of the city, aligning perfectly with the momentum of 2025’s travel rebound.

Convention-driven business travel, along with interest from global media and travel buyers, helped rediscover Chicago’s strength as a world-class destination for meetings and culture not just for leisure seekers.

New Attractions and Cultural Launches beyond the Usual Landmarks

Part of what makes Chicago’s 2025 story compelling is that it isn’t just relying on familiar landmarks or returning events, the city is adding fresh, culturally rich offerings. According to local reports, new establishments and immersive experiences have opened, positioning Chicago as a vibrant, evolving destination for travellers.

For example, a new all-day brunch restaurant called Brûlée reportedly opened on S. Michigan Avenue, strategically placed to attract convention-goers and visitors staying near major venues. Similarly, fans of immersive theatre and pop culture had the chance to explore a newly launched interactive experience themed on a global entertainment franchise, bringing a novel twist to Chicago’s offerings.

Meanwhile, the city is preparing for a major winter draw: the upcoming Crafting Character costume exhibit at the Griffin Museum of Science and Industry, featuring acclaimed costume designs from Broadway and Broadway-adjacent productions. The exhibit is expected to appeal to theatre-lovers, families and group tours alike.

These additions reflect Chicago’s ambition not just to restore but to expand its tourism appeal, giving both first-time and repeat visitors new reasons to explore the city.

Strategic Moves by Tourism Authorities betting Big on Inclusivity and Broad Appeal

Behind the scenes, Choose Chicago has signalled a clear shift in strategy. Their recent efforts aim to ensure tourism benefits are more evenly distributed across all of Chicago’s 77 neighbourhoods not just the downtown core. This includes a renewed emphasis on inclusive tourism and community engagement, led by organisational promotions within Choose Chicago’s leadership.

This broader, more equitable vision for tourism combined with a diversified portfolio of attractions, culture, business travel and events suggests that Chicago’s growth is being managed with long-term sustainability and local benefit in mind.

What This Means for 2026: Heading into a Promising Horizon

With 2025 closing on a high note, Chicago is entering 2026 with strong momentum. The city’s growing reputation, bolstered by new attractions and a packed events calendar, has already earned it designation by travel authorities such as Frommer’s as one of the Best Places to Go in 2026.

For travellers, this means Chicago is shaping up to be an ideal destination, whether for urban culture, architecture, food, events or simply to experience a city reinventing itself. For convention planners and travel media, the city is reaffirming its place on the world stage as a global hub for meetings and cultural exchange. And for repeat visitors, the message is clear: Chicago is evolving offering deeper, more diverse, and more meaningful experiences than ever before.

Humanising the Journey: From Local Warmth to Global Spotlight

For many, a 2025 visit to Chicago was more than ticking off iconic landmarks, it was about feeling the pulse of a city waking up again. Hotel staff, restaurant workers, small-business owners and cultural practitioners across the city worked tirelessly behind the scenes to welcome visitors; their dedication became part of the city’s renewed energy and hospitality.

As Chicago gears up for a busy 2026, that same warmth and human spirit seem to be the foundation of a bigger ambition not just to attract travellers, but to invite them into a living, breathing city that’s constantly changing.

For travellers writing their 2026 itineraries, this is the moment to discover Chicago not just as a destination, but as a city in motion ever-evolving, inclusive, and always ready to surprise.