Destination DC Announces Record Visitation, Fueling DC's Economy

WASHINGTON, DC – More than 27 million people visited the nation’s capital in 2024 – a new record – Destination DC (DDC), the official destination marketing organization for Washington, DC, announced today. The figure surpasses the previous benchmark, set in 2023, by 1.25 million visitors. The record-setting visitation resulted in record economic impact: $11.4 billion in visitor spending, $2.3 billion in tax revenue and 111,500 jobs supported. As a result, thanks to tourism, each DC household saves $3,608 in taxes.

 

The record-setting visitation and economic impact directly follow increased investment in DDC’s marketing and sales efforts through tourism recovery district funding. There is an immediate return on investment from the first full year of the TRD. An independent ROI study shows a two-to-one return on every dollar spent (for every $1 spent on 2024 advertising, $2.09 comes back to DC in tax revenue). This revenue supports city services that benefit all Washingtonians.

 

Of the 27.2 million total visitors, 25 million domestic travelers exceed last year’s total by one million, with a growth rate more than three times that of 2023. The 2.2 million international visitors represent 10 percent year-over-year growth. International visitors are coveted because they stay longer and spend twice as much as their domestic counterparts. In 2024, international travelers to Washington, DC accounted for 8 percent of visitation but 27 percent of spending.

 

“Washington, DC has welcomed more people than ever before for the second straight year. As an economic development organization, 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’s a big deal for DC’s bottom line,” said Elliott L. Ferguson, II, president and CEO of DDC. “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.”

 

The additional funding allows DDC to cement the nation’s capital as a premier destination for meetings, conventions and events. Within the record domestic visitation growth, a third are business travelers, who make up 45 percent of domestic spending.

 

“Two years ago, we released a Comeback Plan focused on bringing people back to DC. I’m proud that for two years in a row, we’ve welcomed a record number of visitors to our city,” said DC Mayor Muriel Bowser. “Many people think of sports, entertainment, and tourism as being fun and games, but as I like to say, it’s also dollars and cents. That is why, with our FY26 Growth Agenda, we’re leaning in heavy on sports and other parts of the live entertainment industry, like theater and conventions. Because when people fill our streets and sidewalks, fill our bars and restaurants, and fill our hotels and convention center – that’s good for jobs, good for revenue, and good for DC.”

 

DDC’s award-winning $27 million domestic and international creative campaign, “There’s Only One DC,” also completed its first full year in 2024. The impact resulted in more hotel room nights for the city. For example, a six-month advertising buy with Expedia resulted in 31,600 hotel room nights and nearly $10 million in total bookings. TRD has also enabled the team to produce global promotions, generating over 67,000 new room nights (October 2024-March 2025). This is an increase of 30,000 room nights during the same period year-over-year. Because of the TRD, DDC can run similar promotions year-round.

 

Campaign content connects to washington.org, where potential visitors can book stays directly and discover hotel deals, event listings, dining and itinerary inspiration. The newly launched District Blog is updated weekly with timely guides and helpful stories for every part of a visitor’s journey. Editorial coverage complements paid and owned channels, all of which remain agile to meet consumer sentiment.

 

The travel industry faces declines in international inbound travel in 2025. As of March 2025, Tourism Economics forecasts a 6.5 percent decrease in international visitation to DC in 2025. The estimate for DC is more favorable than the projected 9.4 percent decrease in international visitation to the U.S.

 

“Travel is a $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,” said Geoff Freeman, president and CEO of the U.S. Travel Association. “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 prioritize pro-travel policies that ease the travel experience for both American citizens and lawful international visitors.”

 

The new data was revealed during DDC’s Travel Rally, held annually with the U.S. Travel Association, which focuses on ways to make travel easier and promotes the industry’s importance to communities across the country. The event took place at Nationals Park, as the Washington Nationals celebrate their 20th anniversary with exciting events and promotions throughout the season. DC is the Capital of Sports, with nearby Audi Field hosting three premier matches of the inaugural FIFA Club World Cup in late June and the District's most iconic landmarks, including the National Mall and Pennsylvania Avenue, hosting the 2027 NFL Draft.

 

“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,” said Gregory McCarthy, senior vice president, community and government engagement, Washington Nationals. “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.”

 

Nationals Park will host the WorldPride DC 2025 Welcome Ceremony and Concert, headlined by Shakira, on May 31. Coinciding with the 50th anniversary of Pride celebrations in DC, the landmark three-week event presents a unifying opportunity to come together, celebrate and advocate for the LGBTQ+ community. A full calendar of events between May 17-June 8, including the parade, international march and rally, two-day street festival and free concerts headlined by Cynthia Erivo and Doechii, is available here.

 

In 2026, America’s 250th anniversary presents a major opportunity to drive visitation. The nation’s capital will serve as center stage for the year-long commemoration, with special events and thematic exhibitions throughout the city’s cultural institutions, museums, attractions, restaurants and hotels. The National Mall will unveil updates including new exhibits at the Jefferson Memorial, an innovative museum opening underneath the Lincoln Memorial and an improved Tidal Basin with more resilient infrastructure, wider walkways and freshly planted cherry trees. Find details of the celebration at DC250.us.

 

Additional anticipated openings in DC next year include the National Geographic Museum of Exploration, expansion of the National Air and Space Museum, the largest renovation in the 50-year history of the Hirshhorn Museum and Sculpture Garden and a new concourse at Dulles International Airport.

 

Washington, DC Visitation Data: *

 

• In 2024, DC welcomed a record 27.2 million visitors
  • 25 million domestic; 2.2 million international 
• In 2023, DC welcomed 25.95 million visitors
  • 24 million domestic; 1.95 million international 
• Prior to the pandemic, in 2019, DC welcomed 25.1 million total visitors
  • 22.8 million domestic; 2.3 million international
• In summary, total visitation is up 5 percent year-over-year
• 30% of domestic visitors traveled for business in 2024, up 7% over 2023.

 

Visitation Impact:

 

• Spending:
  • In 2024, visitors spent a record $11.4 billion, up 12%.
    • In 2023, visitors spent $10.2 billion.
• Jobs:
  • In 2024, tourism supported a record 111,500 jobs, up 8%.
    • In 2023, tourism supported 103,194 jobs.
  • Tourism resulted in $5.7 billion in wages paid, up 11% over 2023.
  • If travel and tourism were a stand-alone industry, it would be the second largest private industry in DC, employing 17.6% of the private workforce.
• Tax Revenue:
  • In 2024, tourism generated a record $2.3 billion in tax revenue, up 11%.
    • In 2023, tourism generated $2 billion in tax revenue.
  • Tourism saves each DC household $3,608 in taxes.

 

International Visitation:

 

• Top international markets (in descending order): Canada, United Kingdom, India, Germany, China, France, South Korea, Mexico, Italy, Spain

 

*Sources: MMGY Travel Intelligence, S&P Global Market Intelligence, National Travel & Tourism Office, U.S. Department of Commerce

 

About Destination DC:

Destination DC, the official destination marketing organization for the nation’s capital, is a private, non-profit membership organization committed to marketing the area as a premier global convention, tourism and special events destination with a special emphasis on the arts, cultural and historic communities. https://washington.org

 

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