During an exclusive interview with Raphael Paredes, representative of Choose Chicago, the official tourism organization of the city, we learned about the latest updates that position Chicago as one of the most attractive destinations in the United States and the world.

“Chicago has its arms wide open as always. It’s a friendly city that welcomes everyone,” said Raphael Paredes, noting that over the past year, the city reached record numbers with more than 135 million visitors, consolidating its place as one of the country’s leading tourism and business centers.

The year 2025 has been especially active for Chicago, after hosting IPW, the most important international tourism trade show in the United States, where the city impressed thousands of international delegates with its hospitality, modernity, and iconic architecture.

A Destination That Shines in Every Season

During the summer, the 27 beaches stretching along 41 kilometers (25 miles) of Lake Michigan filled with visitors. Yet Chicago’s charm extends well beyond summer: autumn paints the city in golden and red hues, turning its parks into a stunning visual spectacle.

“Each season shows Chicago in a special way,” explained Paredes. During this time of year, food festivals take center stage, particularly Chicago Gourmet, where local and international chefs — many of them Latin American — showcase their culinary creations in a celebration of flavor and culture.

Among the must-see attractions, Paredes recommends visiting the Skydeck, an iconic observatory on the 103rd floor of the Willis Tower, offering panoramic views of the entire city.

“There, visitors can discover the history, engineering, and architecture that define Chicago. It’s an unforgettable experience,” he said.

Flavors, Art, and Unique Experiences

For food lovers, Chicago offers a diverse and vibrant culinary scene — from its famous Deep Dish Pizza and Chicago-style hot dogs (without ketchup, Paredes jokes) to Michelin-starred restaurants and international cuisine.

Art also plays a central role. The Art Institute of Chicago houses the second-largest collection of Impressionist art in the world, surpassed only by the Louvre in Paris.

A City Made for Walking and Rediscovery

Unlike many U.S. destinations, Chicago is a walkable city. Its wide avenues, efficient public transportation, and themed tours — including those highlighting movies and TV series filmed in the city such as The Untouchables, Chicago Fire, and Chicago P.D. — allow visitors to experience its urban essence in a unique way.

Each visit reveals something new.

“I’ve lived in the city for more than ten years, and I’m still discovering new restaurants, historic sites, and hidden attractions. Chicago is endless,” said Raphael Paredes.

One of the newest attractions is FlyOver Chicago, an immersive experience that simulates a flight over the city, featuring spectacular visuals and music.

Getting Ready for the Winter Season

Winter officially begins on November 21 with the traditional Lights Parade, a dazzling event that illuminates Michigan Avenue and marks the start of the holiday celebrations.

The city also boasts first-class hotel infrastructure, with more than 70,000 rooms across various neighborhoods, and excellent air connectivity through O’Hare International Airport, one of the largest in the United States.

Gateway for Latin American Travelers

When asked about promoting Chicago in Latin America, Raphael Paredes highlighted the importance of collaboration with travel agencies.

“We offer training and tools to help agents understand everything the city has to offer, so they can design personalized experiences for their clients,” he explained.

He also mentioned the possibility of combining Chicago with nearby destinations such as New York, Milwaukee, or Detroit, thanks to its excellent ground and air connectivity.

Although Chicago will not be a host city for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, its strategic location and rich tourism offering make it an ideal base for travelers attending matches in other cities.

A Constant Invitation

“Chicago has been recognized for eight consecutive years as the Best Big City in the U.S., according to Condé Nast Traveler readers. This shows that visitors don’t just come — they return,” emphasized Raphael Paredes.

Finally, he invited Latin American travelers to visit the official website www.choosechicago.com, where they can find information in Spanish and a special section for travel agents.

“Chicago is ready to welcome visitors at any time of the year. It’s a lively, diverse, and fascinating city,” concluded Raphael Paredes of Choose Chicago.