IL HR0133

Supports Choose Chicago's goal of 50 million annual visitors to Chicago by 2020 and positioning Chicago in the top 5 U.S. destinations for international travel.

Recognizes that Illinois hosted 93.3 million visitors in 2011 (a 10% increase over 2010) with most visitors originating from Midwest states including Indiana, Wisconsin, Michigan, and Missouri.

Identifies lack of affordable, frequent, and convenient transportation options from Midwest communities to Chicago as a barrier to increased tourism, including limited flight access and high parking costs.

Notes that Illinois has invested in Amtrak service, doubling round-trip frequency in 2006 and improving the St. Louis-Springfield-Normal-Joliet-Chicago rail line, with Amtrak ridership breaking records annually for five years.

Calls upon stakeholders to expand affordable passenger train service through Amtrak expansion and new high-speed rail connecting Midwest communities to Chicago as a strategy to achieve the 50 million annual visitor goal by 2020.