How Visitors Really Choose Where to Spend in Chicago

When a visitor comes to Chicago, they’re not just wandering around aimlessly. They’re making dozens of decisions—where to eat, what to see, how to spend their time—and the timing of those choices matters more than most businesses realize. 

Nearly half of all experience bookings happen after travelers arrive at their destination, according to Think with Google. That means almost 50% of your potential customers are still deciding where to spend their money while they’re here. 

Visitors often start with pre-trip research, but their in-city choices are shaped by what they see and hear once they arrive—hotel concierges, guest services staff, printed maps, tour guides, and even what’s in front of them on the street. If your business shows up in the right place at the right moment, you dramatically increase your chances of winning them over. 

Chicago welcomed 55.3 million visitors last year, and hotel occupancy is up 2% this year through June. With local market spending down, now is a smart time to focus on capturing more tourists. 

That’s where the Chicago Does Interactive Video Map comes in. It’s the only Chicago-focused tourism guide in hotels — paired with Big Bus distribution, videos, QR codes, and direct links to help visitors choose your business on the spot. It’s about being in their hands, on their minds, and at your door. 

If getting more tourists to your business is important this year, reach out to your Ateema representative or email Sales@Ateema.com to learn more.