The mayor went to Navy Pier Thursday to help publicize WonderFest. He and hospitality industry officials urged Chicago and suburban residents to join national and international visitors at WonderFest.
The festival features hundreds of decorated trees, a quarter of a million holiday ornaments, carolers, and an indoor Ferris wheel.
The mayor called Chicago one of the world's great travel destinations.
"When we attract visitors to Chicago, and when Chicagoans explore the city, we help create jobs for hard-working people, keep our hospitality industry strong, our local businesses stronger," said Daley.
The mayor said tourism helps hotels, restaurants, theaters, cab drivers, mass transit, and others parts of the city.
