{"id":387489,"date":"2025-11-18T12:00:20","date_gmt":"2025-11-18T12:00:20","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/387489\/"},"modified":"2025-11-18T12:00:20","modified_gmt":"2025-11-18T12:00:20","slug":"choose-chicago-thoughtful-in-promotion-of-neighborhoods","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/387489\/","title":{"rendered":"Choose Chicago thoughtful in promotion of neighborhoods"},"content":{"rendered":"

Regarding the editorial \u201cChicago tourism fundamentally is about downtown, not all 77 neighborhoods\u201d<\/a> (Nov. 16): The world knows Chicago as a city of communities, each and every one with its own unique history and culture.<\/p>\n

This isn\u2019t new. Tourism that\u2019s inclusive and community engagement have been a part of Choose Chicago\u2019s tourism initiatives and strategies for years and have been covered by the Tribune many times. Choose Chicago has worked closely with our Bronzeville community and other neighborhoods across several administrations. Our organization, cultural attractions and small businesses appreciate Choose Chicago\u2019s efforts in making continued commitments and investments in ensuring that there are more seats at the tourism table.<\/p>\n

Not all neighborhoods are created equal, and Choose Chicago has been thoughtful, strategic and forward-acting in how it has collaborated with us in Bronzeville. Choose Chicago has listened to local partners, our business owners and residents, as well as numerous international tourism journalists and professionals who have asked for Bronzeville, in addition to the central city, to be part of their coverage of Chicago. Together, we have highlighted the unique history of Bronzeville, where Black music, literature, art and food are celebrated every day in our small businesses.<\/p>\n

Because Choose Chicago has honored the importance of neighborhoods and the central city to tourism, over the past several years, there has been growing connectivity, collaboration and a shared commitment to tourism between the central city and neighborhood leaders.<\/p>\n

We are not Lincoln Park or Chinatown or Austin \u2014 we are Bronzeville. While every neighborhood is not necessarily a tourist destination, Chicago\u2019s central city is not the only place that deserves to be highlighted or that tourists want to visit. Choose Chicago\u2019s visitation data confirms that out-of-towners and visitors from across the region are visiting points of interest in the neighborhoods, such as the 26th Street commercial corridor in Little Village and Asia on Argyle in Uptown.<\/p>\n

It is naive to think that everyone coming to Chicago only wants to stay downtown. Visitors want authentic experiences, and that is what neighborhoods such as Bronzeville provide.<\/p>\n

\"IsabelIsabel Garcia, left, and Sylvia Larco, part of the Quetzal-Xochitl Mexican folkloric dance group, stand in Manuel Perez Jr. Plaza in Chicago’s Little Village neighborhood Oct. 8, 2021. Choose Chicago provided funding for the plaza’s renovation. (Chris Sweda\/Chicago Tribune)<\/p>\n

If you do not explore our neighborhoods, how would you ever see the studio where house music was created? Or visit the birthplace of the American labor movement? Or try some of Chicago\u2019s many Michelin Bib Gourmand restaurants or the most recent neighborhood food joint that is blowing up on TikTok?<\/p>\n

Chicago\u2019s neighborhoods are where things happen. They are where we live and where we make history. We invite the Tribune Editorial Board back into the neighborhoods.<\/p>\n

\u2014 Rhonda McFarland, executive director, Quad Communities Development Corp.<\/p>\n

Chicago\u2019s full story<\/p>\n

At Destinations International, we have the privilege of working with more than 750 destination organizations across the globe, and we see every day which cities are preparing for the future \u2014 and which are clinging to a playbook from 20 years ago.<\/p>\n

So when an editorial criticizes Choose Chicago for establishing an Inclusive Tourism and Community Engagement department, I\u2019m reminded that progress often draws the loudest objections from those who least understand the direction in which the industry is heading.<\/p>\n

Let\u2019s be clear. Chicago is doing exactly what leading global destinations are doing \u2014 and in many cases, doing it better.<\/p>\n

Across our industry, visitors are increasingly choosing destinations that reflect authentic culture, local character and diverse experiences. Numerous studies, including our own Destinations International Community Alignment Research, show that travelers want to spend time (and money) in neighborhoods that feel unique, creative and grounded in real stories. Chicago has 77 such neighborhoods \u2014 a competitive edge most cities would envy.<\/p>\n

Choose Chicago\u2019s new department ensures that the city showcases its full identity, not just the postcard skyline. It guarantees that the economic benefits of tourism extend to all corners of the city, not merely the downtown core. That is not just good policy \u2014 it\u2019s good business. Communities with strong resident support for tourism consistently outperform those without it in long-term visitor spending, job creation and brand strength.<\/p>\n

And let\u2019s not overlook what\u2019s ahead. Chicago is preparing for two globally significant moments:<\/p>\n