Kristen Reynolds Appointed as CEO of Choose Chicago Amid Significant Decline in International Tourism Due to Rising Anti-American Sentiment Stemming from Federal Policies
Chicago’s tourism industry is facing significant challenges as international visitation declines, particularly from Canada, the city’s largest source of international visitors. This downturn is largely attributed to rising anti-American sentiment fueled by recent U.S. federal policies, including tariffs and executive orders perceived as discriminatory.
In response to these challenges, Choose Chicago, the city’s tourism board, has appointed Kristen Reynolds as its new CEO, succeeding interim CEO Rich Gamble. Reynolds is expected to bolster Chicago’s appeal to global audiences and address the current downturn in international tourism.
Despite these challenges, Chicago’s airports are experiencing record-breaking air travel. The Chicago Department of Aviation announced that summer 2025 is projected to be the busiest season in the history of O’Hare and Midway International Airports, with airlines scheduling nearly 17.8 million departing seats from June through August. This represents a 7% increase over the previous year and a 4% increase over 2019, reinforcing Chicago’s status as a global aviation hub.
Furthermore, Illinois as a whole has seen a 39% increase in international visitors in 2023 compared to the previous year, highlighting the state’s growing global appeal. International visitors contributed nearly $2.7 billion to Illinois’ economy in 2023, a 47% increase in spending from the prior year.
These developments underscore the complexities facing Chicago’s tourism industry, as it navigates both challenges and growth opportunities in the current global landscape.
