Each year, Chicago welcomes millions of visitors from around the world to experience the vibrant and beautiful city. Although many visitors travel by car or plane, the motorcoach market comprises a large portion of travel to the city. Chicago welcomes motorcoaches and has developed several programs and amenities specifically for those planning a motorcoach visit to the city.
The city wants to better serve the motorcoach industry and ensure that tour operators, guides and motorcoach drivers are aware of the many amenities to them year-round when they are transporting people to and from Chicago. For example:
- Further expanding Chicago's motorcoach offerings, a new motorcoach parking lot near Chicago's Loop opened in 2003. The lot at McCormick Place is fenced, patrolled, and available 24 hours a day.
- The CCTB now offers special incentives for tour operators and motorcoach drivers who use the McCormick Place lot overnight. The cost is usually $20 per day, but the CCTB offers an incentive to encourage operators to book and confirm a hotel through the CCTB. The Bureau will rebate the organization the parking costs with the receipt for each night the confirmed hotel stay coincides with the parking date. Other incentives for confirming a hotel lead through the CCTB include a separate $20 American Express gift cheque for both the driver and manager.
- The CCTB offers a map that features the locations of the downtown motorcoach parking lots, lists motorcoach "on street" parking areas, and highlights the numerous loading zones throughout the city.
- The city has also designated special loading zones and positioned them in close proximity to key cultural attractions, and areas in the shopping, theatre, and museum districts. In all, there are a total of 17 loading zones in the downtown area.
With the new motorcoach parking lot and special incentives, Chicago has expanded its reach as a great destination for motorcoaches. Consider these benefits to bringing a motorcoach to Chicago:
- Chicago is centrally located in the heart of the Midwest and is easily accessible from virtually anywhere in the country. Chicago lies at one of the busiest interstate systems in the nation, with four major expressways that go directly into the city.
- Chicago offers plenty of restaurants and attractions that can accommodate large groups. In addition, several restaurants offer group menus, and many hotels offer group rates and amenities.
- With over 5,500 restaurants and hundreds of hotels and attractions - including Navy Pier, the Magnificent Mile and the Museum Campus - Chicago offers something for every taste and preference.
To receive further information - including a complimentary map of the city's motorcoach loading zones and available parking areas - tour operators, guides and motorcoach companies can contact Joleen Domaracki, CCTB Tourism Sales Manager, USA and Canada, at 312/567-8571 or through e-mail at jdomaracki@choosechicago.com.