US city of Chicago attracts more international travelers

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Chicago, the third biggest US city, has recorded a growth of 3.4 percent in international visitor arrivals through August this year, with a 4.8-percent increase from China, local authorities announced on Tuesday.

Based on arrival data till the end of August at O'Hare and Midway, the city's two international airports, direct flights brought in more foreign visitors, with Brazil up 18.3 percent year on year, followed by Britain with an increase of 12.7 percent, South Korea up 9.6 percent, Italy up 7.2 percent, Mexico up 6 percent and China up 4.8 percent.

In addition, according to a report released by Chicago Tribune earlier this year, Chicago saw 55.2 million visitors in 2017; as a result, the city set a new tourism record and reached the mayor's goal a few years early.

Entrance to the Art Institute of Chicago Museum, Chicago, Illinois. /VCG Photo

"Together, we'll continue highlighting all the best our city has to offer, making sure Chicago remains a top tourist destination for years to come," Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel said on Tuesday at a newly opened boutique hotel.

According to Emanuel, Chicago closed the third quarter of 2018 with record tourism levels. For the first nine months of 2018, hotel room demand grew 4.9 percent, setting another record for that period.

Chicago has just been named as the best big city in the United States for the second year in a row by Conde Nast Traveler, a luxury and lifestyle travel magazine.

Apart from its top tourist destinations, such as Millennium Park and the Art Institute of Chicago museum, Chicago hosts many international meetings and conventions every year, generating strong growth in its tourism revenue.

The city of Chicago values the great potential of the Chinese market. In order to bring in more travelers from China, Chicago has made coordinated efforts with Chinese tourism partners to attract luxury shopping crowds to its outlet malls.

Source(s): Xinhua News Agency