Downtown Chicago experienced a significant increase in activity as it hosted its annual St. Patrick’s Day celebration, including the traditional dyeing of the Chicago River. The event attracted thousands of both locals and tourists who gathered along the river to witness the green transformation by boats from the Chicago Plumbers Union. Compared to last year, pedestrian traffic rose by 226.5% and week over week saw a 140.5% increase.
The state of Illinois reported record tourism numbers in 2023, with events like NASCAR Street Race, Lollapalooza and community gatherings contributing to revenue growth not only in Chicago but also beyond its borders.
According to Cederick Johnson, senior director at MRI Software: “These statistics highlight how crucial holiday celebrations and events are for driving visitors into downtown areas.” He adds that they also demonstrate a positive return on investment for cities and retailers who plan special events such as Easter parades or July 4th festivities.
Don’t miss out on connecting with industry leaders at Connect Midwest: Multifamily Affordable Student & Student Housing Trends on June 4th ,2024 at W-Chicago City Center Hotel in IL . Register now for early bird pricing before April19th! Join us for exclusive discussions about important topics shaping our industry today.
