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A little about our founder (and self-described “tour guru”) Gilbert Longoria:
Gilbert’s 21+ years in the tourism industry started first at the Texas State Aquarium as senior group sales representative. In 2002, he moved to Chicago and worked at the John G. Shedd Aquarium as group sales coordinator, specializing in student and senior groups. From there, Gilbert worked for Skyline Tour and Travel, one of Chicago’s premiere tour and travel companies, learning the ins-and-outs of city tour planning as group tour coordinator. He then spent several years at Accenting Chicago Events and Tours as the director of tour operations, building an exceptional rapport with clients and maintaining lasting relationships with customers.
In April of 2012, Gilbert decided to take a chance and venture out on his own, opening The Chicago Tour Company. It turned out that was the best career decision he has ever made! The Chicago Tour Company has been going strong and growing by leaps and bounds each year ever since!
Gilbert’s attention to detail and meticulous planning are first-rate. He understands the nuances of group travel and prides himself on being able to recognize the needs of your group and foresee your questions or concerns.
As a hands-on tour operator, Gilbert leads many of his own tours himself. His philosophy is that nothing is better than showing the best the city has to offer and experiencing the excitement first-hand with his Chicago guests.
“Chicago is great because I’ve found that people never really know what to anticipate when they visit for the first time. We are a world-class, metropolitan city in the Midwest – with a small-town, friendly atmosphere. It’s fantastic when people tell me what a wonderful city Chicago is and how much fun they had here. I’m just glad to have a small part in that.” — Gilbert, NTA Courier interview
The Chicago Tour Company is a licensed and fully-insured corporation and a proud member of Choose Chicago, Chicago’s North Shore Convention and Visitors Bureau and the Chicago Tour-Guide Professionals Association.