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. The figure surpasses the previous benchmark, set in 2023, by 1.25 million visitors. India remained the #1 market in visitor spending for 2024 at $344 Million. India has predicted positive growth potential for both visitation and spending for 2025.  The record-setting visitation numbers 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. For 2024, India remains the #2 international market for Washington, DC (not including countries bordering the U.S.) with 191,000 visitors as per Tourism Economics and the #3 market if we include Canada. (behind Canada #1, and UK #2).

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 a 10 per cent 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% of visitation but 27% 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 promote 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 will allow 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 comprise 45 per cent of domestic spending.

“Two years ago, we released a Comeback Plan to bring 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 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 heavily on sports and other parts of the live entertainment industry, like theatre and conventions. Because when people fill our streets and sidewalks, our bars and restaurants, and our hotels and convention centre – that’s good for jobs, revenue, and DC.” DDC’s award winning $27million domestic and international creative campaign, washington.org/experiencedc” target=’_blank’ rel=external> “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). The data shows an increase of 30,000 room nights compared to last year. Thanks to 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, 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 per cent decrease in international visitation to DC 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. International travel plays a critical role within the American economy,” 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.”

In collaboration with the U.S. Travel Association, the DDC revealed the new data at its annual Travel Rally. It aims to simplify travel and highlight the industry’s significance to communities nationwide. 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 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 and 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 significant opportunity to drive visitation. The nation’s capital will serve as centre 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, the expansion of the National Air and Space Museum, the largest renovation in the Hirshhorn Museum and Sculpture Garden’s 50-year history, 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
• Before 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 per cent 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, 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

For more news visit our site: Click here