In a landmark year for Arlington, visitor spending reached an unprecedented $4.5 billion in 2023, as the Arlington Convention and Visitors Service (ACVS) reported. This substantial economic boost came from 7.1 million visitors who flocked to the county, exceeding expectations and reinforcing Arlington’s status as a premier destination.

Surge in Visitor Numbers and Economic Impact

The study, meticulously prepared by Tourism Economics, a renowned Oxford Economics Company, highlights the surge in visitor spending across various sectors, including transportation, food and beverage, lodging, recreation, and retail. This influx of tourists fueled local businesses, supported nearly 27,600 jobs, and generated $341 million in state and local tax revenues.

Factors Behind the Growth

Tourism Economics attributes the remarkable increase of 600,000 visitors over the previous year to rising consumer confidence and a renewed preference for urban travel destinations. Despite not yet reaching the pre-pandemic peak of 8 million visitors in 2019, Arlington’s visitor and travel-related spending have surpassed pre-COVID levels by almost $90 million.

Leadership’s Optimism and Vision

Arlington County Board Chair Libby Garvey celebrated the milestone: “This study marks a major turning point for Arlington and its hospitality businesses. Reaching record visitor spending after the challenges of the pandemic is a great accomplishment and a bright sign for the future. These visitors to Arlington generated nearly $242 million in local tax revenues that will improve our community and residents’ quality of life.”

Kate Bates, President & CEO of the Arlington Chamber, echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the resilience of local businesses. “Arlington’s hospitality and hotel economy was one of the hardest hit in Virginia during the pandemic, so we are thrilled that growing visitation and record spending are helping Arlington businesses to fully recover and thrive,” she noted.

Strategic Marketing and Promotion Efforts

The comprehensive study also credited the success of ACVS’s strategic group sales and leisure marketing initiatives. The introduction of the “All in Arlington” tourism brand, a revamped website, and an aggressive media campaign in August 2023 significantly attracted nearly 82,000 visitors who spent $29 million in the county. These efforts were bolstered by a $3.25 million Virginia Tourism Corporation American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) grant received in February 2022, specifically aimed at stimulating overnight hotel stays and spending in Arlington. The grant concluded in June 2024.

Holistic Economic Development Strategy

Arlington Economic Development Director Ryan Touhill praised the ACVS team’s work in elevating Arlington’s profile. “The work of the ACVS team is critical in promoting Arlington — not just as an attractive travel destination, but also as a dynamic place to live and work. Showcasing Arlington’s arts and cultural experiences, historic discoveries, and other assets to travelers, meeting professionals, and our wider business-investment audiences strengthens our overall economic development strategy,” Touhill explained.

Looking Ahead

The Arlington Convention and Visitors Service, a vital division of Arlington Economic Development, continues to champion the county’s tourism potential. The full 2023 Tourism Economics study, titled “Arlington, Virginia Visitor Economy,” offers an in-depth analysis of the tourism sector’s economic contributions. For more insights and updates on Arlington’s tourism promotion, visit Stay Arlington.

Arlington’s impressive rebound in visitor spending is a testament to the county’s resilient spirit and strategic efforts in revitalizing its tourism industry. As Arlington continues to attract more visitors and foster economic growth, it stands as a beacon of recovery and prosperity in the post-pandemic era.

Written by: Jason Smith

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