Latest news with #McPier
Yahoo
12-06-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Chicago seeing fewer international travelers, but local hotels still expect ‘solid' summer
The number of international guests staying at Chicago hotels is down amid tensions between the Trump administration and other nations, and economic uncertainty is discouraging business travel. But local hoteliers say they still expect a busy summer, thanks in part to a tourism calendar that relies heavily on domestic leisure travelers coming in for events like Lollapalooza and July's two-day NASCAR Chicago Street Race. 'It's true we're seeing a drop in foreign inbound travelers, but the drop is not significant,' said Maverick Hotels and Restaurants CEO Robert Habeeb, the proprietor of the 223-room Sable at Navy Pier. Government-related travel is also down after months of spending cuts by the administration of President Donald Trump, Habeeb said. 'But in the summer, it's leisure, leisure, leisure and most of these folks will show up. It's going to be a solid summer,' he said. The decline in international travelers to Chicago is difficult to measure, as hotels generally don't report statistics on guests' country of origin, said Brian Arevalo, managing director with HVS, a consultant for the hospitality industry. 'But it has been noticed and it's something we're hearing a lot about from hotel operators,' he said. Andrew Eck, general manager of L7 Chicago By LOTTE, a 191-room hotel at 225 N. Wabash Ave., said summer bookings from Canadians were off by about 25% compared with 2024. The number of Asian guests at the hotel, which carries a Seoul-based brand, seems steady, he said. Overall, the summer is shaping up to be a busy one, Eck said. 'Because we were under construction for part of the year in 2024, we are seeing growth that's off the charts. We could sell out every single day this summer.' It's already been a solid year. Healthy attendance at some conventions held at the McCormick Convention Center, along with blockbuster events, including Beyoncé's three-night, sold-out 'Cowboy Carter' extravaganza in May at Soldier Field, kept Chicago hotels ahead of their 2024 pace. About 1.3 million people are expected to attend McCormick Center events in 2025, according to the Metropolitan Pier and Exposition Authority, the municipal corporation also known as McPier, which owns McCormick Center. That's still far below pre-pandemic numbers, when the venue typically attracted between 2 million and 2.9 million visitors. But some conventions are close to full recoveries, said McPier CEO Larita Clark. The International Manufacturing Technology Show attracted almost 90,000 visitors last year, compared with the more than 100,000 seen pre-COVID. In March, ProMat 2025, a manufacturing and supply chain convention, brought about 52,000 to McCormick Center. 'That show set a new attendance record,' Clark said. Chicago hotel occupancy hit 65.6% in April, up from 64.6% last April, while the average daily rate for a room increased from $150.96 to $157.89, a 4.6% bump, according to CoStar data. 'We are ahead of where we were last year,' said Kiara Felfle, director of sales at The Robey Chicago, an 89-room boutique hotel in the Wicker Park neighborhood on the Northwest Side. 'Beyoncé's concerts were a record-breaking time for us as far as occupancy goes.' The Robey Chicago, which opened in 2016 in the landmark Northwest Tower, anticipates a stream of customers this summer, many headed to the neighborhood's many street festivals and small music venues. 'Chicago really shines in the summer, so it's a big time for us, and this year will be no different,' she said. Choose Chicago launches new marketing campaign: Never Done. Never Outdone. The Trump administration tightened border controls and began imposing on-again, off-again tariffs on many nations this year, including Canada and China, souring relations and leading some travelers to cancel U.S. trips. 'While other nations are rolling out the welcome mat, the U.S. government is putting up the 'closed' sign,' said World Travel & Tourism Council CEO Julia Simpson in May. The council estimates international visitor spending in the U.S. will decline from $181 billion in 2024 to $169 billion this year, 22% lower than the peak year of 2019. Early summer bookings by Canadians were already down more than 20% year-over-year, with March visits from the United Kingdom falling 15%, and German travelers declining by 28%. Chicago hotels should be able to absorb the hit. The city attracted 55 million total visitors in 2024, according to Choose Chicago, the city's tourist agency. About 2 million were international travelers, so if the city sees fewer people from overseas this year, domestic tourists may fill the gap. 'Based on our monthly projections that are tracking 3-4% higher year-over-year, and with recent record-breaking weekends for hotel occupancy as well as several conferences that are setting records for attendance and room blocks, we are expecting a slight increase in our summer hotel occupancy over 2024,' Choose Chicago CEO Kristen Reynolds said in a statement. Juan Leyva, general manager of the 452-room LondonHouse Chicago at 85 E. Wacker Drive, said the hotel will shift its summer marketing strategy, hopefully making up for any international losses by bringing more guests in from Indianapolis, Detroit and other domestic markets, especially for the Lollapalooza and NASCAR weekends. 'We are on a good pace for Lollapalooza, slightly ahead of last year,' Leyva said. 'Being a drive-in event, it doesn't really depend on international travel.' Chicago's cold and rainy spring led many tourists to book rooms at the last minute and was probably a bigger concern than the decline in international travel, he said. 'We're finally getting summer, but it did take a long time,' he said. 'When all is said and done, we expect to be in line with last year, and maybe a little bit ahead.'
Chicago Tribune
12-06-2025
- Business
- Chicago Tribune
Chicago seeing fewer international travelers, but local hotels still expect ‘solid' summer
The number of international guests staying at Chicago hotels is down amid tensions between the Trump administration and other nations, and economic uncertainty is discouraging business travel. But local hoteliers say they still expect a busy summer, thanks in part to a tourism calendar that relies heavily on domestic leisure travelers coming in for events like Lollapalooza and July's two-day NASCAR Chicago Street Race. 'It's true we're seeing a drop in foreign inbound travelers, but the drop is not significant,' said Maverick Hotels and Restaurants CEO Robert Habeeb, the proprietor of the 223-room Sable at Navy Pier. Government-related travel is also down after months of spending cuts by the administration of President Donald Trump, Habeeb said. 'But in the summer, it's leisure, leisure, leisure and most of these folks will show up. It's going to be a solid summer,' he said. The decline in international travelers to Chicago is difficult to measure, as hotels generally don't report statistics on guests' country of origin, said Brian Arevalo, managing director with HVS, a consultant for the hospitality industry. 'But it has been noticed and it's something we're hearing a lot about from hotel operators,' he said. Andrew Eck, general manager of L7 Chicago By LOTTE, a 191-room hotel at 225 N. Wabash Ave., said summer bookings from Canadians were off by about 25% compared with 2024. The number of Asian guests at the hotel, which carries a Seoul-based brand, seems steady, he said. Overall, the summer is shaping up to be a busy one, Eck said. 'Because we were under construction for part of the year in 2024, we are seeing growth that's off the charts. We could sell out every single day this summer.' It's already been a solid year. Healthy attendance at some conventions held at the McCormick Convention Center, along with blockbuster events, including Beyoncé's three-night, sold-out 'Cowboy Carter' extravaganza in May at Soldier Field, kept Chicago hotels ahead of their 2024 pace. About 1.3 million people are expected to attend McCormick Center events in 2025, according to the Metropolitan Pier and Exposition Authority, the municipal corporation also known as McPier, which owns McCormick Center. That's still far below pre-pandemic numbers, when the venue typically attracted between 2 million and 2.9 million visitors. But some conventions are close to full recoveries, said McPier CEO Larita Clark. The International Manufacturing Technology Show attracted almost 90,000 visitors last year, compared with the more than 100,000 seen pre-COVID. In March, ProMat 2025, a manufacturing and supply chain convention, brought about 52,000 to McCormick Center. 'That show set a new attendance record,' Clark said. Chicago hotel occupancy hit 65.6% in April, up from 64.6% last April, while the average daily rate for a room increased from $150.96 to $157.89, a 4.6% bump, according to CoStar data. 'We are ahead of where we were last year,' said Kiara Felfle, director of sales at The Robey Chicago, an 89-room boutique hotel in the Wicker Park neighborhood on the Northwest Side. 'Beyoncé's concerts were a record-breaking time for us as far as occupancy goes.' The Robey Chicago, which opened in 2016 in the landmark Northwest Tower, anticipates a stream of customers this summer, many headed to the neighborhood's many street festivals and small music venues. 'Chicago really shines in the summer, so it's a big time for us, and this year will be no different,' she said. The Trump administration tightened border controls and began imposing on-again, off-again tariffs on many nations this year, including Canada and China, souring relations and leading some travelers to cancel U.S. trips. 'While other nations are rolling out the welcome mat, the U.S. government is putting up the 'closed' sign,' said World Travel & Tourism Council CEO Julia Simpson in May. The council estimates international visitor spending in the U.S. will decline from $181 billion in 2024 to $169 billion this year, 22% lower than the peak year of 2019. Early summer bookings by Canadians were already down more than 20% year-over-year, with March visits from the United Kingdom falling 15%, and German travelers declining by 28%. Chicago hotels should be able to absorb the hit. The city attracted 55 million total visitors in 2024, according to Choose Chicago, the city's tourist agency. About 2 million were international travelers, so if the city sees fewer people from overseas this year, domestic tourists may fill the gap. 'Based on our monthly projections that are tracking 3-4% higher year-over-year, and with recent record-breaking weekends for hotel occupancy as well as several conferences that are setting records for attendance and room blocks, we are expecting a slight increase in our summer hotel occupancy over 2024,' Choose Chicago CEO Kristen Reynolds said in a statement. Juan Leyva, general manager of the 452-room LondonHouse Chicago at 85 E. Wacker Drive, said the hotel will shift its summer marketing strategy, hopefully making up for any international losses by bringing more guests in from Indianapolis, Detroit and other domestic markets, especially for the Lollapalooza and NASCAR weekends. 'We are on a good pace for Lollapalooza, slightly ahead of last year,' Leyva said. 'Being a drive-in event, it doesn't really depend on international travel.' Chicago's cold and rainy spring led many tourists to book rooms at the last minute and was probably a bigger concern than the decline in international travel, he said. 'We're finally getting summer, but it did take a long time,' he said. 'When all is said and done, we expect to be in line with last year, and maybe a little bit ahead.'
Yahoo
05-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Lori Healey, senior VP of Obama Presidential Center and former CEO of McPier, dies at 65
Lori Healey, chief of staff to Mayor Richard M. Daley, co-leader in the city's bid for the 2016 Olympics, former CEO of McPier and head of Clayco in Chicago, died of pancreatic cancer Saturday, her family said in a statement. She was 65. 'Our mother was someone who was fiercely loyal not just to us, but to her friends, mentees, and those who entrusted her to lead. Her career was filled with extraordinary accomplishments that will help define her legacy,' said the statement from her children. 'So many knew her as a transformative force in public service, city planning, and civic development, but to us, her most meaningful role was as our mom.' More recently, in 2020, Healey joined the Obama Foundation as senior vice president and executive project officer for the Obama Presidential Center, where she was leading construction of the Jackson Park campus. 'Chicago is a better city because of Lori Healey. Lori established herself as one of the most respected and sought-after voices in both the public and private sector thanks to her brilliance, indefatigable work ethic, wise judgment, and wit,' said Valerie Jarrett, CEO of the foundation. 'Lori could connect with anyone in any room: heads of state, developers, construction workers, young people and every member of our team. She was generous with her time and passionate about living a purposeful life and (being) a mighty force for good.' Before being hired in 2019 as Chicago's regional president of Clayco — the development firm tied to expansions of O'Hare International Airport and Willis Tower — Healey was appointed in 2015 the CEO of the Metropolitan Pier and Exposition Authority, also known as McPier, which owns Navy Pier and McCormick Place. In that role, she supervised the construction of Wintrust Arena and Marriott Marquis, according to City Club Chicago. 'The loss of Lori Healey is devastating. Lori was not just my former boss and colleague, not just a mentor, she was a dear friend,' said Larita Clark, Healey's successor as McPier CEO. 'She was a wise and charismatic leader who, in her humble way, was a champion for all people and a tireless advocate for women. Always willing to give of herself, Lori led by elevating those around her.' Bob Clark, executive chairman and founder of Clayco, told the Tribune over email that he couldn't think of anyone who had 'this much impact' on the city. 'She loved Chicago with all of her being,' he said, 'and every morning I'm sure she thought of how to make our community bigger, better and more functional. For everyone.' After earlier stints both in state government and City Hall, Healey worked under Daley and then ran his family's firm, Tur Partners, until her appointment to McPier. In 2012, Healey coordinated and planned the North Atlantic Treaty Organization Summit in Chicago as executive director of the host committee. A few years earlier, in 2009, she had helped lead the city's failed bid for the 2016 Olympics and Paralympics. Just last week, Healey's son Ramsey Al-Abed accepted the 2025 Game Changer Award on her behalf when she was unable to attend the 37th Chicago Commercial Real Estate Awards. 'Her impact has definitely helped shape the landscape of this city over the past decades,' Al-Abed wrote on an Instagram post. In a video montage presenting the award, friends talked about Healey's interests and passions beyond work, including golf, the Chicago Bears, her horses and hot sauce she used to stash away in a cabinet. 'I want to thank you. Thank you for not only changing the city of Chicago for the better, and our state and our country, but also for the kind of person that you are,' Illinois Governor JB Pritzker said in the video message. Healey's relatives called her 'a remarkable woman — a deeply devoted mother and grandmother who found her greatest joy in time spent with her adoring family.' She was also 'a loving partner' to Walt Eckenhoff, 'and an inspiring leader, a friend to so many and a tireless advocate for Chicago.' 'We are heartbroken by this loss but comforted in knowing that her legacy lives on in the countless lives she touched — in her grandchildren, colleagues, friends, and the city she loved so much,' the statement read. The family asked for privacy and said additional details about a celebration of life would be shared soon. adperez@
Chicago Tribune
05-05-2025
- Business
- Chicago Tribune
Lori Healey, senior VP of Obama Presidential Center and former CEO of McPier, dies at 65
Lori Healey, chief of staff to Mayor Richard M. Daley, co-leader in the city's bid for the 2016 Olympics, former CEO of McPier and head of Clayco in Chicago, died of pancreatic cancer Saturday, her family said in a statement. She was 65. 'Our mother was someone who was fiercely loyal not just to us, but to her friends, mentees, and those who entrusted her to lead. Her career was filled with extraordinary accomplishments that will help define her legacy,' said the statement from her children. 'So many knew her as a transformative force in public service, city planning, and civic development, but to us, her most meaningful role was as our mom.' More recently, in 2020, Healey joined the Obama Foundation as senior vice president and executive project officer for the Obama Presidential Center, where she was leading construction of the Jackson Park campus. 'Chicago is a better city because of Lori Healey. Lori established herself as one of the most respected and sought-after voices in both the public and private sector thanks to her brilliance, indefatigable work ethic, wise judgment, and wit,' said Valerie Jarrett, CEO of the foundation. 'Lori could connect with anyone in any room: heads of state, developers, construction workers, young people and every member of our team. She was generous with her time and passionate about living a purposeful life and (being) a mighty force for good.' Before being hired in 2019 as Chicago's regional president of Clayco — the development firm tied to expansions of O'Hare International Airport and Willis Tower — Healey was appointed in 2015 the CEO of the Metropolitan Pier and Exposition Authority, also known as McPier, which owns Navy Pier and McCormick Place. In that role, she supervised the construction of Wintrust Arena and Marriott Marquis, according to City Club Chicago. 'The loss of Lori Healey is devastating. Lori was not just my former boss and colleague, not just a mentor, she was a dear friend,' said Larita Clark, Healey's successor as McPier CEO. 'She was a wise and charismatic leader who, in her humble way, was a champion for all people and a tireless advocate for women. Always willing to give of herself, Lori led by elevating those around her.' Bob Clark, executive chairman and founder of Clayco, told the Tribune over email that he couldn't think of anyone who had 'this much impact' on the city. 'She loved Chicago with all of her being,' he said, 'and every morning I'm sure she thought of how to make our community bigger, better and more functional. For everyone.' After earlier stints both in state government and City Hall, Healey worked under Daley and then ran his family's firm, Tur Partners, until her appointment to McPier. In 2012, Healey coordinated and planned the North Atlantic Treaty Organization Summit in Chicago as executive director of the host committee. A few years earlier, in 2009, she had helped lead the city's failed bid for the 2016 Olympics and Paralympics. Just last week, Healey's son Ramsey Al-Abed accepted the 2025 Game Changer Award on her behalf when she was unable to attend the 37th Chicago Commercial Real Estate Awards. 'Her impact has definitely helped shape the landscape of this city over the past decades,' Al-Abed wrote on an Instagram post. In a video montage presenting the award, friends talked about Healey's interests and passions beyond work, including golf, the Chicago Bears, her horses and hot sauce she used to stash away in a cabinet. 'I want to thank you. Thank you for not only changing the city of Chicago for the better, and our state and our country, but also for the kind of person that you are,' Illinois Governor JB Pritzker said in the video message. Healey's relatives called her 'a remarkable woman — a deeply devoted mother and grandmother who found her greatest joy in time spent with her adoring family.' She was also 'a loving partner' to Walt Eckenhoff, 'and an inspiring leader, a friend to so many and a tireless advocate for Chicago.' 'We are heartbroken by this loss but comforted in knowing that her legacy lives on in the countless lives she touched — in her grandchildren, colleagues, friends, and the city she loved so much,' the statement read. The family asked for privacy and said additional details about a celebration of life would be shared soon.
CBS News
05-05-2025
- Business
- CBS News
Lori Healey, who served as Daley's chief of staff, headed MPEA and Obama Center project, dies at 65
Lori Healey, an urban planner and Chicago civic leader who served as chief of staff to Mayor Richard M. Daley, chief executive officer of the Metropolitan Pier and Exposition Authority, and most recently leader of the Obama Presidential Center project, died last week. Healey's family announced Sunday that she died Saturday, May 3. She was 65. Lori Healey Family Photo Healey was born in New Orleans and grew up moving around with her family as a self-described "Army brat," according to published reports. After earning a bachelor's in economics and a master's in public administration from the University of Kansas, she began her career as a policy aide to Kansas Gov. John Carlin in 1983, according to the City Club of Chicago. In Chicago, Healey served as commissioner of the Department of Planning and Development under Mayor Richard M. Daley, and was appointed his chief of staff in 2007 — replacing Ron Huberman, who moved to head up the Chicago Transit Authority and later the Chicago Public Schools. In 2009, Healey was appointed president of Chicago 2016, where she co-led Chicago's ultimately unsuccessful bid for the 2016 Summer Olympics. Healey also coordinated the organizational and planning activities for the 2012 NATO Summit in Chicago as executive director of the NATO Host Committee, the City Club of Chicago noated. Healey later served as chief executive officer of the Metropolitan Pier and Exposition Authority — MPEA or McPier for short. McPier owns McCormick Place and the 1,258-room Hyatt Regency McCormick Place. In her role with McPier, Healey oversaw the development and construction of the Wintrust Arena and the Marriott Marquis Chicago, the City Club noted. In 2019, Healey became the president of the Chicago regional business unit at Clayco, a Chicago-based development and design firm. In that position, she led enterprise activity for Clayco's development, design, and construction-related activities in the Chicago area, the City Club noted. In December 2020, Healey joined the Obama Foundation as senior vice president and executive project officer for the Obama Presidential Center. She was at the helm of the project to develop the 19.3-acre Obama Presidential Center campus in Jackson Park, which is still under construction. Healey's family called her "a remarkable woman— a deeply devoted mother and grandmother who found her greatest joy in time spent with her adoring family."
