Chicago Tourism Sharpens Global Storytelling as Meryl Press Vissel Takes Senior Communications Role

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The hiring of Meryl Press Vissel as Vice President of Communications and Content shows that Chicago is expanding its global tourism communications strategies. Tourism and hospitality are two areas where Vissler has over a decade of experience, and her new position is designed to handle all aspects of communication, media and social relations. She will be starting on Aug. 31, 2026.

Chicago has already experienced a high demand for visitors, and this appointment helps the city gain more visibility as they take advantage of the many cultural, sports and commemorative events that will help draw domestic and international visitors to the city. Neighborhood hospitality and meetings will also be focused on during 2026 since Chicago has over 55 million annual visitors with a $20 billion tourism economy.

Meryl Press Vissel brings extensive destination communications experience

Vissel joins after leading Corporate Communications for the Los Angeles Tourism & Convention Board, where she worked on earned media and executive communications designed to strengthen Los Angeles’ international profile. Her professional background also includes communications leadership at Hudson Pacific Properties and an earlier role with Cunard, giving her experience across destination marketing, hospitality, real estate and luxury cruise travel.

Her career is particularly relevant to Chicago’s current tourism ambitions because destination marketing increasingly depends on combining compelling storytelling with strong knowledge of visitor behaviour, media relations and major international events. Her previous exposure to global occasions, including the World Cup and Olympics, is expected to support Chicago as the city continues to use large-scale events to generate travel interest.

The new position brings several communications functions together under one leadership structure. This approach is intended to create a clearer narrative for Chicago across traditional media, digital platforms and social channels while maintaining a consistent destination identity.

New communications strategy supports Chicago travel growth

The leadership change arrives during an important period for Chicago tourism. The destination is pursuing year-round visitation while expanding international and emerging markets and placing greater emphasis on neighbourhood and cultural storytelling.

Chicago’s tourism performance provides a substantial platform for this strategy. In 2024, the city welcomed an estimated 55.3 million visitors and generated $20.6 billion in tourism-related economic impact, while meetings and events contributed more than $3 billion to the economy.

The destination has also identified 2026 as a particularly important opportunity, with the Route 66 Centennial, the United States’ 250th anniversary and international sporting events contributing to a strong calendar for visitors.

Chicago prepares for a high-profile travel year

For leisure travellers, the increased focus on destination storytelling could translate into greater visibility for Chicago’s cultural attractions, neighbourhoods, food scene, architecture and events. For international visitors, stronger communications can also help present the city as more than a short urban stop by highlighting experiences that encourage longer stays.

The Route 66 Centennial is one example of how Chicago is connecting heritage with contemporary tourism. Programming around the historic route is being used to spotlight neighbourhoods, local businesses, attractions and cultural stories while creating additional reasons for travellers to explore areas associated with the road’s eastern beginning.

The strategy also has relevance for the meetings and events sector. Chicago remains a major destination for conventions and business gatherings, meaning destination communications must appeal simultaneously to leisure travellers, event organisers, international media and tourism industry partners.

Leadership appointment reinforces destination marketing priorities

Kristen Reynolds, President and CEO of Choose Chicago, has described Vissel’s international perspective and hands-on destination experience as important qualities for the organisation’s next phase of growth. Lisa Nucci, Chief Marketing Officer, has also emphasised the importance of communicating Chicago’s story with greater consistency and impact.

Vissel’s appointment therefore represents more than a personnel change. It reflects the growing importance of strategic communications within destination marketing, particularly as cities compete internationally for visitors, meetings, events and investment.

For travellers considering Chicago, the immediate significance is not a change to attractions or visitor services, but a stronger effort to shape how the city is presented to potential visitors around the world. The focus on people, places and experiences could help broaden the image of Chicago beyond its best-known landmarks and encourage deeper engagement with the city.

What the appointment means for Chicago tourism

Improving tourism and hospitality will help Chicago be more competitive. The new tourism Improvement District began in 2026 to help support marketing and sales. This funding will help cover the costs associated with hosting events and marketing the city.

This funding also helps justify the more important goal of telling stories that will help campaigns demonstrate success. The tourism organization must fulfill its marketing pledge by influencing not only the number of visitors to the city, but also influencing how they occupy the available hotel rooms, attending the planned events and of course how the economy is positively impacted.

Promoted tours must also maintain credibility and accurately reflect the experiences of visitors to the city.

Vissel epitomizes the background of the ideal candidate, due to her travels, hospitality, and communication experience. Starting August 31st will begin a new chapter of Chicago building on their international standing while also building on both business and leisure travel.

Travelers will appreciate Chicago’s message of prioritization, as the city is using a variety of methods to catch international interest using major events, unique and innovative cultural activities, and “neighborhood storytelling” and marketing as Chicago draws their audience to professional destination marketing.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Who has been appointed to the new Chicago tourism communications role?

Meryl Press Vissel has been appointed Vice President of Communications & Content.

2. When will Meryl Press Vissel start her new role?

She is scheduled to officially join on 31 August 2026.

3. What will Vissel oversee?

Her responsibilities include communications, media relations and social media functions.

4. What experience does Vissel bring?

She has more than a decade of experience spanning tourism, hospitality and real estate communications.

5. Where did Vissel work before joining Chicago tourism?

She most recently led Corporate Communications for the Los Angeles Tourism & Convention Board.

6. Why is the appointment important for Chicago travellers?

It strengthens the destination’s international storytelling and marketing capabilities as Chicago competes for global visitors.

7. How many visitors does Chicago attract annually?

Chicago attracts more than 55 million annual visitors, according to destination organisation figures.

8. How much economic impact does Chicago tourism generate?

Tourism generates more than $20 billion in economic impact for the city.

9. What major travel opportunities are being promoted in Chicago during 2026?

The city is highlighting the Route 66 Centennial, the United States’ 250th anniversary, international sporting events and a broad calendar of meetings and conventions.

10. Will the appointment change Chicago’s attractions or visitor services?

The appointment primarily concerns communications and destination storytelling rather than direct changes to attractions or visitor services.