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In an unprecedented tourism surge, Washington, DC, shattered all previous records by welcoming nearly 26 million visitors in 2023. This remarkable achievement, announced by Destination DC (DDC), the official destination marketing organization for the nation’s capital, highlights the city’s successful rebound from the pandemic.

DDC revealed that Washington, DC, hosted 25.95 million visitors last year, marking a 17% increase from 2022 and surpassing the pre-pandemic high set in 2019. This influx resulted in an all-time high visitor spending of USD$10.2 billion, supporting a record 102,366 local jobs.

“This is a major milestone for Washington, DC,” stated Elliott L. Ferguson, II, president and CEO of DDC. “Our intensified marketing and sales strategies, bolstered by the tourism recovery district legislation, are clearly paying off. However, there’s still work to be done in attracting international visitors who typically stay longer and spend more.”

Of the nearly 26 million visitors, 24 million were domestic travellers, indicating a full recovery to 105% of 2019 levels. While still on the rise, international visitation has reached 85% of pre-pandemic numbers with 1.95 million visitors, showing a significant 40% year-over-year increase.

The economic impact of this tourism boom is undeniable. Visitor spending soared by 29% year-over-year, while tourism-supported jobs increased by 25%.

“We are proud to show millions of visitors every year why Washington, DC is the most important city in the world,” said Mayor Muriel Bowser. “Tourism is critical to our city’s vitality, yielding jobs for our residents, dollars for our local businesses, and revenue for our investments in a stronger DC. As we continue to share the story of our city and create fantastic destinations for our visitors, we are grateful to Destination DC and all our hospitality partners for the work they do every day to remind people that there’s only one DC.”

In November, DDC launched its award-winning “There’s Only One DC” campaign, emphasizing the city’s unique experiences and free attractions. This campaign, the largest in DDC’s history, is backed by additional funding from the tourism recovery district, ensuring wide-reaching and compelling messaging.

Potential visitors can explore DC’s offerings on washington.org and discover hotel deals, events, dining options, and itineraries. Travellers can book directly at stay.washington.org. DDC’s efforts are complemented by editorial coverage across various channels.

The new visitor data was unveiled during DDC’s Travel Rally, an annual event with the U.S. Travel Association to highlight the importance of the travel industry. Geoff Freeman, president and CEO of the U.S. Travel Association, remarked, “Travel is a driver of economic success, as reflected in the strength of visitation to Washington, DC and in communities across the nation. We will continue to focus on growing this critical sector, which supports jobs for more than 15 million American workers, benefits local businesses, and fuels other industries that depend on travel to help them thrive.”

The rally occurred at the Smithsonian National Museum of the American Indian, which is celebrating its 20th year and unveiling the new exhibit “Unbound: Narrative Art of the Plains.” The Smithsonian Folklife Festival, from June 26 to July 1, will also celebrate Indigenous traditions in honour of the museum’s anniversary.

DC’s summer is packed with exciting events. The Folger Shakespeare Library will reopen on June 21, showcasing the world’s largest Shakespeare collection. The city will host numerous festivals, sports events, and the 75th NATO Summit at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center from July 9 to 11.

This fall, the White House will debut a tech-driven visitor centre, The People’s House. New hotels like the city’s first Arlo Hotel and the Salamander will also open along the revitalised Southwest Waterfront. Renovations have been completed at St. Regis, Four Seasons, and Capital Hilton, while exciting rebrands like Hotel Nell—Union Market and Hotel AKA Washington Circle are underway.

Looking ahead, Washington, DC, will commemorate America’s 250th anniversary in 2026 with a yearlong celebration across its cultural institutions, museums, attractions, restaurants, and hotels.

In a delightful twist, the Smithsonian’s National Zoo announced the return of two giant pandas by year-end. The Zoo will become one of only two in the U.S. to host these beloved animals and the only one with free entry.

Washington, DC Visitation Data:

In 2023, DC welcomed 25.95 million visitors (24 million domestic; 1.95 million international).
In 2022, DC welcomed 22.1 million visitors (20.7 million domestic; 1.4 million international).
In 2019, DC welcomed 25.1 million visitors (22.8 million domestic and 2.3 million international).
Visitation is up 17% year-over-year and 4% compared to 2019.

Visitation Impact:

Visitors spent a record $10.2 billion in 2023, up 29% year over year and 111% from 2019 levels.
Visitors supported a record 102,366 jobs in 2023, up 25% year-over-year and 134% of 2019 levels.