On Sept. 27 IBOT hosted the International Program Fall Update Meeting at the Hotel Allegro in Chicago. Previously held under the banner of “supplier meetings,” the conference addressed various topics relating to our international tourism partnership. In addition to Jan Kemmerling and myself, speakers included Cathy Domanico, director of tourism for the Chicago Convention and Tourism Bureau; Dorothy Coyle, director of the Chicago Office of Tourism; and Toby McCarrick, executive director of the Great Lakes of North America.

On the heels of very positive domestic numbers, the results of our international efforts are just as encouraging. In 2004 travelers spent 10.4 percent more in Illinois than the previous year. Over the same period, more than 20,000 international travel jobs were created, an increase of 4.5 percent. This led to state and local tax revenues topping $107 million. Illinois was the sixth-most-popular state for overseas visitors in 2004, while Chicago remained the ninth-most-popular U.S. city.

The top international markets for Illinois are Canada, the UK, Mexico, Japan and Germany. Our data focused specifically on two target markets, the UK and Germany.

Travel volume from the UK increased 28 percent to 211,000 visitors. Travelers primarily cited leisure recreation as their trip purpose. And since most visitors from the UK were in Illinois on business during the previous two years, this shift is significant. Those leisure travelers chose dining and shopping as their top activities, and overall nights in destinations dropped from 6.1 to 5.3. The travelers spent an average of $89 a day in Illinois, most were around the age of 40, and a third of them (34%) had incomes of $100,000 or more. Continued >

Industry Insider: John Maxson

To help you get to know who’s who in Illinois tourism, ITN profiles an industry leader each month. This month, we introduce John Maxson, president and CEO of Chicago’s Greater North Michigan Avenue Association.

The Greater North Michigan Avenue Association (GNMAA) is the business development and advocacy organization for Chicago’s Magnificent Mile. John Maxson has served as its president and CEO since January 2005.

When GNMAA was founded more than 90 years ago, Michigan Avenue (then Pine Street) was a typical Chicago thoroughfare. GNMAA’s efforts have nurtured the development of North Michigan Avenue, transforming it into a top leisure, business and tourist destination that today boasts more than 50 hotels, 250 restaurants and 450 retailers. When coupled with nearby attractions such as Lake Michigan, Navy Pier, Millennium Park, museums and theaters, the Magnificent Mile competes with venues around the world for the best in fashion, fine dining, entertainment, culture and luxurious relaxation. Continued >