CHICAGO
Mayor Emanuel today launched a new tourism organization for the city of Chicago, with the goal of attracting 50 million visitors per year by 2020 and resulting in nearly $4 billion a year in additional annual revenues for Chicago’s economy.
By combining the efforts of the current Chicago Convention & Tourism Bureau and the Chicago Office of Tourism and Culture, the new organization will save $1.3 million in administrative costs that will be reinvested in national and international marketing campaigns.
The Chicago Convention & Tourism Bureau will join forces with the tourism-focused portion of the Chicago Office of Tourism and Culture to form the new organization. CCTB CEO and President Don Welsh will be CEO and President of the new organization.
“Mayor Emanuel’s decision to streamline Chicago’s tourism marketing strategy makes strong financial and logistical sense,” said Welsh. “Our ultimate goal is to make Chicago the premier destination for domestic and international business and leisure travelers. Today’s decision will help the city more cost effectively advance and achieve this vision.”
