Chicago Tourism |

World’s Largest Hello Kitty Cafe to Transform Chicago’s Michigan Avenue Into a Global Tourism Landmark in 2026

Chicago is preparing to welcome what is being positioned as the world’s largest Hello Kitty Cafe, with the new Sanrio flagship experience expected to open along Michigan Avenue in 2026. The venue is designed to combine themed dining, character-inspired retail and interactive visitor experiences within one large destination. Its arrival is expected to introduce a […]

Chicago Tourism Climbs to 56.8 Million Visitors as Hotels Generate Record Revenue Despite Industry Pressures

Martina / June 27, 2026

Chicago welcomed 56.8 million visitors in 2025, marking continued growth for one of the United States’ leading urban destinations and generating a record-breaking $21.5 billion in visitor spending across the city’s hospitality, dining, retail, transport and entertainment economy. The latest annual tourism performance figures have prompted a cautiously positive response from the Illinois Hotel &