Washington DC received a record 25.95 million total visitors in 2023, up 17 pc from 2022 and surpassing the pre-pandemic record set in 2019 (Photo: washington.org)
Major events of international interest and several notable openings are presenting opportunities for continued growth for the tourism industry of Washington DC, the capital of the United States, which led to total tourism receipts of USD 10.2 billion, according to says Destination DC (DDC), the official destination marketing organisation of the city.
In a press statement, DDC says that at its annual Marketing Outlook Meeting held recently, it highlighted the strategies that built on an impactful first year of its Only One DC campaign and leverage events, including the presidential inauguration and WorldPride 2025.
Elliott L Ferguson
“India continues to be a market of top importance to Washington, DC, welcoming 165,100 Indian visitors in 2023. The market is currently the city’s second largest overseas inbound market and reflects the highest spending total at USD 287,400,000 for the year,” says Elliott L Ferguson, II, President and CEO of DDC.
“DDC launched its award-winning campaign last year in India. There’s Only One Washington, DC positions the destination as wholly unique, spotlighting a diversity of experiences that research shows India prioritises, including arts and culture, shopping, luxury amenities and a robust culinary scene,” Ferguson adds.
“Additional funding has allowed us to reach more potential travellers than any campaign to date. In 2025, we will continue to be more aggressive with our global advertising in the Indian market and plan to meet with Indian travel agents and media,” he adds.
The statement adds that Washington DC received a record 25.95 million total visitors in 2023, up 17 pc from 2022 and surpassing the pre-pandemic record set in 2019.
DDC says that the data underscores the importance of increased tourism to the city’s economy.
The new benchmark resulted in a record USD 10.2 billion in visitor spending, USD 2.065 billion in tax revenue and supported a record 102,366 local jobs, according to MMGY Travel Intelligence, S&P Global Market Intelligence, the National Travel and Tourism Office and the US Department of Commerce.
Following the National Cherry Blossom Festival in the spring, WorldPride 2025 is expected to bring approximately two million overnight visitors, May 23 to June 8, with an economic impact of USD 787 million, according to data by S&P Global.
The statement adds that this will be only the second time an American city has hosted the international celebration.
It says that a variety of events are planned to inspire, empower and connect the international LGBTQ+ community and its allies, including a festival, parade and sports competitions.
DDC says that visitors can look forward to new developments and free attractions. September 13 marked the installation of a new centrepiece of the National World War I Memorial, A Soldier’s Journey.
It adds that on September 23, The People’s House: A White House Experience will open as a cutting-edge new White House visitors centre. There is USD 10.2 billion in projects currently under construction, according to the Washington DC Economic Partnership.
DDC says that citywide conventions and meetings of all sizes are important to its strategy and role as an economic engine for Washington,DC.
In 2025, there are 341,803 total room nights stemming from citywide convention business with an economic impact of USD 344 million. In addition, 334 non-convention centre meetings are responsible for 280,854 total room nights, with another 170,000 total room nights possible, based on DDC’s models.
The statement adds that opportunity areas include short-term, incentive and corporate business. Growing international meetings is a focus of DDC’s ‘Collective,’ which is in town this week.
The group consists of the International Business Events Council and those planning annual meetings in DC. It helps strengthen Washington DC’s positioning around the world as a one-of-a-kind meetings destination that adds value to programming.
Washington DC’s hotel market outlook is positive, according to STR as DC’s occupancy, average daily rate and revenue per available room has made fast gains and is in the top 25 in the US relative to 2019.
The statement adds that hotel occupancy is up 3 pc through July 2024 compared to 2023. There are 23 new or renovated hotels and 3,937 rooms in the pipeline through 2028. Middleburg, Virginia-based Salamander Collection is expected to complete its ongoing phased enhancements to the former Mandarin Oriental this fall, with Dōgon, renowned chef Kwame Onwuachi’s highly anticipated return to the city, opening September 9.
Among several other rebrands and renovations across the city, Arlo Hotels is expected to debut its first property in DC this fall, near Judiciary Square.
The statement adds that DDC, Events DC and its partners are diversifying ongoing efforts to bring sporting events to the city, including opportunities under the umbrella of the 2026 World Cup, bidding for the men’s and women’s Rugby World Cup in 2031 and 2033, and NCAA basketball and hockey tournaments.
The statement adds that DDC and its partners serve as a leader in shining a light on women’s sports, such as DC Power FC’s inaugural season. Anticipation is also building for 2026, when Washington DC will host a year-long celebration commemorating America’s 250th anniversary. The full calendar of events will be announced as details are finalised.
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