Choose Chicago CEO Says City Bringing In Record Tourism Revenue

CHICAGO (CBS) -- Chicago's big tourism agency says the latest numbers show spending by visitors to Chicago is hitting record levels and rising, reports WBBM Political Editor Craig Dellimore.

Donald Welsh, CEO and President of Choose Chicago, says total tax revenue from domestic and overseas visitors reached more than $800 million in 2012.

"We brought about 170,000 more international visitors to the city. That translated into probably a 450-500 million dollar increase to the economy alone," said Welsh.

Welsh says these aren't his numbers,

"The numbers we are sharing today actually come from U.S. Travel, which is the spokesman for the industry based in Washington D.C. and they report to all cities and states how well they have done in the previous years," said Welsh.

And the trends are continuing in revenue and jobs.

In:
• Craig Dellimore