Domestic travellers accounted for 25 million of the total in Washington DC, while international segment saw a 10 pc increase, reaching 2.2 million visitors
A record 27.2 million tourists visited Washington DC, the capital of the United States, in 2024, surpassing the previous year’s high by 1.25 million and marking a milestone in the post-pandemic recovery of the city.
In a press statement, Destination DC (DDC), the city’s official destination marketing organisation, says that the surge generated an unprecedented USD 11.4 billion in visitor spending, USD 2.3 billion in tax revenue and supported 111,500 jobs, underscoring tourism’s critical role in the District’s economy.
The statement adds that domestic travellers accounted for 25 million of the total, up by one million from 2023, with a growth rate more than three times that of the previous year.
DDC says that the international segment saw a 10 pc increase, reaching 2.2 million visitors. While international tourists made up just 8 pc of total visitation, they contributed a significant 27 pc of all visitor spending, as they tend to stay longer and spend twice as much as domestic guests.
Elliott Ferguson
“Washington, DC has welcomed more people than ever before for the second straight year. As an economic development organisation, I am equally excited to see the direct results of increased investment in tourism returned to the city’s economy. The impact of visitation is immediate and it is a big deal for DC’s bottom line. As we celebrate the 2024 figures, however, we are cognizant of a different climate in 2025. Destination DC continues to focus on promoting the nation’s capital as a welcoming and inclusive destination, particularly for international visitors. We remain proactive with our offices around the world,” says Elliott L Ferguson, II, President and CEO, DDC.
“Two years ago, we released a Comeback Plan focused on bringing people back to DC. I am proud that for two years in a row, we have welcomed a record number of visitors to our city. Many people think of sports, entertainment and tourism as being fun and games, but as I like to say, it is also dollars and cents. That is why, with our FY26 Growth Agenda, we are leaning heavily on sports and other parts of the live entertainment industry, like theatre and conventions. Because when people fill our streets and sidewalks, fill our bars and restaurants, and fill our hotels and convention centre, that is good for jobs, good for revenue and good for DC,” says Muriel Bowser, Mayor, Washington DC.
Muriel Bowser
The statement adds that India remained a standout market for Washington DC in 2024, ranking as the number 1 source of international visitor spending at USD 344 million. With 191,000 visitors, India was the city’s number 2 overseas market, excluding neighbouring countries, and is forecast to register further growth in both visitation and spending in 2025, despite broader headwinds in global travel.
According to the statement, an independent study found that every dollar spent on 2024 advertising generated USD 2.09 in tax revenue, directly supporting city services. There’s Only One DC campaign by DDC and strategic partnerships, such as with Expedia, contributed to a surge in hotel bookings and room nights, further boosting the local economy.
The statement adds that each DC household saved USD 3,608 in taxes thanks to visitor contributions. If travel and tourism were a stand-alone industry, it would be the second largest private sector employer of the city, accounting for 17.6 pc of the workforce.
The statement adds that looking ahead, DC faces challenges. International visitation is forecasted to decline by 6.5 pc in 2025, though this is less severe than the projected 9.4 pc drop for the US as a whole.
Geoff Freeman
“Travel is a USD 1.3 trillion economic engine, supporting 15 million American jobs and boosting our competitiveness on the world stage. Within the American economy, international travel plays a critical role. As we look ahead to a decade of unprecedented opportunity between the 2026 World Cup, the 250th anniversary of America and the 2028 Olympics, we must work to prioritise pro-travel policies that ease the travel experience for both American citizens and lawful international visitors,” says Geoff Freeman, President and CEO, US Travel Association.
“More than just the home of our national pastime in the nation’s capital, Nationals Park is one of Washington, DC’s jewel attractions, hosting a diverse array of events all year long. From baseball games to concerts, festivals and high-end events, our ballpark attracts visitors from across the region and beyond, serving as an economic catalyst and contributing to our great city’s growing economy,” says Gregory McCarthy, Senior Vice President, Community and Government Engagement, Washington Nationals.
According to the statement, major upcoming events, including the FIFA Club World Cup, the 2027 NFL Draft, WorldPride DC 2025, and America’s 250th anniversary in 2026, are expected to sustain the city’s momentum as a premier global destination.
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