The chief of Chicago's tourism bureau is running away from comments he made about the city's crime problem.
Don Welsh of Choose Chicago told the Tribune's editorial board that the city's 38 percent increase in murders was hurting tourism.
He said meeting planners from other cities had been calling him to ask if Chicago is a safe place to visit.
But he told the Sun-Times Thursday his comments were quote "misinterpreted" and "taken out of context."
Tourists are starting to hear about the problem because it's become national news.
"I think it's fairly safe. I was walking around last night and this morning, had no problems. I have been in a couple of crime ridden cities and I have never had any problems in Chicago," one man said.
One visitor from Baltimore says before he got on his flight for Chicago he heard about the shootings in the city but it was not his concern. He didn't intend to be in those areas.
"My wife is flying in tonight and she was concerned about that, but it's on the outskirts of the tourist attractions. Downtown Chicago is really nice. Lots of things to do. Really good," the man said.
Emanuel has talked about tourism, and how important it is to Chicago and says even a small uptick in the tourism rate can really bring billions of dollars to our economy.
Friday, May 24 2013 10:10 AM EDT2013-05-24 14:10:12 GMT
Hawthorne Scholastic Academy Principal Nate Petrini spent the night on the roof of his school after losing a bet with his students. He challenged his students to a read-a-thon, and they answered the call.
Hawthorne Scholastic Academy Principal Nate Petrini spent the night on the roof of his school after losing a bet with his students. He challenged his students to a read-a-thon, and they answered the call.
Friday, May 24 2013 10:00 AM EDT2013-05-24 14:00:34 GMT
The Chicago Bears will retire former head coach Mike Ditka's No. 89. The Pro Football Hall of Fame tight end's number will be officially retired during halftime at the Bears' Monday Night Football game Dec. 9.
The Chicago Bears will retire former head coach Mike Ditka's No. 89. The Pro Football Hall of Fame tight end's number will be officially retired during halftime at the Bears' Monday Night Football game Dec. 9.
Friday, May 24 2013 9:35 AM EDT2013-05-24 13:35:46 GMT
Even though the Chicago Board of Education approved the largest public school closure in American history this week, the fight is not over. Opponents will get their day in court.
Even though the Chicago Board of Education approved the largest public school closure in American history this week, the fight is not over. Opponents will get their day in court.
Friday, May 24 2013 9:32 AM EDT2013-05-24 13:32:16 GMT
Some aldermen have questions as a City Council committee gets ready to hold a hearing on Mayor Emanuel's proposed changes to the Chicago parking meter deal.
Some aldermen have questions as a City Council committee gets ready to hold a hearing on Mayor Emanuel's proposed changes to the Chicago parking meter deal.
Former Chicago Bears lineman and FOX contributor Dan Jiggetts is an advocate for preventing the sale of high capacity ammunition magazines in Illinois. He's also working on Rocky's Law with Governor Quinn.
Former Chicago Bears lineman and FOX contributor Dan Jiggetts is an advocate for preventing the sale of high capacity ammunition magazines in Illinois. He's also working on Rocky's Law with Governor Quinn.
Thursday, May 23 2013 10:55 PM EDT2013-05-24 02:55:34 GMT
As the country looks at the relief efforts in Oklahoma, Illinois is training for the same kind of disaster. The Illinois National Guard prepares every year for disaster events.
As the country looks at the relief efforts in Oklahoma, Illinois is training for the same kind of disaster. The Illinois National Guard prepares every year for disaster events.
Thursday, May 23 2013 10:40 PM EDT2013-05-24 02:40:45 GMT
Things are going to be very busy at Chicago's O'Hare International Airport this weekend. Many travelers will also hit the roads for Memorial Day, and they'll pay the price at the pump.
Things are going to be very busy at Chicago's O'Hare International Airport this weekend. Many travelers will also hit the roads for Memorial Day, and they'll pay the price at the pump.
