The Beyoncé boost: How Chicago’s economy benefits from ‘Cowboy Carter’ Tour

Note: Thursday night’s ‘Cowboy Carter’ concert at Soldier Field has been delayed due to the threat of severe weather.

CHICAGO (WGN) — Beyoncé, the most-winning and nominated artist in Grammy history, is not only bringing her hits for a three-night stint at Soldier Field, but also a major boost for the local economy.

“We’re so excited because when Beyoncé comes, she doesn’t just bring the visitors, she brings the residents out, people from all of our surrounding areas throughout the state, and she brings the energy,” said Choose Chicago president and CEO Kristen Reynolds.

The organization said it welcomed an estimated 55.3 million visitors to the city in 2024, a 6.5% year-over-year increase. International tourism is also estimated to have topped two million people for the first time since before the COVID-19 pandemic.

Three ‘Cowboy Carter’ shows and the National Restaurant Association show in Chicago this weekend are a hopeful sign for the 131,000 workers who rely on the local tourism industry and its visitors.

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Downtown hotels reported 95% occupancy on the first night of Beyoncé’s last concert tour stop in Chicago.

“It does matter, because that is tax revenue and that’s revenues that keep our taxes lower as residents, so when we bring the visitors in, it really does benefit our city,” Reynolds explained.

The shows directly benefit short-term rental property owners, like Houston native Michelle Singleton, who owns an Airbnb property in Washington Park. While she’s pleased her place books quickly, she said it also gives her a chance to showcase a part of the city outside of downtown.

“In the Airbnb you’ll see a lot of history about the area. So when those concerts come, it brings people into other parts of the city that they may not typically venture out to,” she said.

Airbnb said searches for stays in the city surged more than 100% compared to the same last year as “fandom” travelers looked to stay closer to the action. The company also said a 2024 survey of guests show they spent an average of $205 per day on local restaurants, groceries and attractions during their stays, benefitting small businesses and communities.

“It’s amazing,” Reynolds said. “It’s going to be an incredible Chicago summer. The fountain is on – Buckingham Fountain – we have a Chicago pope, and now Beyoncé is coming to town. It could not be more perfect timing.”