Published on : Wednesday, June 26, 2019
Attendees came from every corner of the globe to witness the wonder that Daniel Burnham created. Now, 125 years later, Burnham would have appreciated the fact that Chicago continues to welcome visitors from around the world, with 57 million of them visiting in 2018 alone.
Mayor Lori Lightfoot takes up her self-described task “to continue to build this great city.” Chicago’s vibrant tourism industry is a vital segment for the city’s economy. Among the large number of benefits, tourism generates tax revenues, providing long-term employment opportunities for Chicagoans. The tourism industry is a driving force in the economic development of Chicago neighborhoods, creating opportunities for small businesses to flourish.
Chicago must be creative in differentiating itself from other destinations both domestically and internationally. Chicago isn’t competing with only key U.S. destinations such as Orlando, Las Vegas, and Atlanta for the convention and leisure business. It is competing with international destinations like Shanghai, Singapore, and Dubai for those visitors and their readiness to spend while in the city.
The mayor of Chicago must make sure that her administration becomes a champion for tourism and avoids implementing strategies that could hamper it. As she travels around the state, the country, and the world, Mayor Lightfoot must take on the role as the city’s leading ambassador for tourism. The mayor can reinforce local tourism’s efforts to turn Chicago into a premier destination of choice for convention and leisure travelers.