WASHINGTON — Nearly 26 million visitors came to D.C. in 2023, surpassing pre-pandemic levels. That's according to new numbers released by tourism organization Destination DC (DDC) on Wednesday.
According to the organization, this represents a 17% increase from 2022, and breaks a record set in 2019. Visitors spent $10.2 billion, and the supported 102,366 local jobs. Destination DC said there is still work to do.
“This is a major milestone for Washington, D.C.,” said Elliott L. Ferguson, II, president and CEO of DDC. “Put simply, we are seeing the results of our increased marketing and sales efforts thanks to the tourism recovery district legislation, and the city is benefitting from increased tourism. There is still work to do, however, since international travel hasn’t fully recovered. The additional funding allows us to continue to entice international visitors who stay longer and spend more.”
Here's a closer look at the numbers:
The organization said 24 million visitors of the total 25.95 million came from within the country. That means domestic travel increased 105% from 2019 figures. The other 1.95 million visitors came from abroad, indicating a 85% return and trending toward pre-pandemic levels. According to DCC, international travelers usually stay longer and spend twice as much as their domestic counterparts. .
“We are proud to show millions of visitors every year why Washington, D.C. is the most important city in the world,” said Mayor Muriel Bowser said in a press statement. “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 D.C.. 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 D.C.”
Tourism officials announced several upcoming events meant to draw people to the District, and keep visitors coming through the summer and beyond.
Wednesday's event took place at the Smithsonian National Museum of the American Indian, celebrating its 20th anniversary on the National Mall and introducing a new exhibit, "Unbound: Narrative Art of the Plains," which opens on June 1. Also, The Smithsonian Folklife Festival, from June 26 to July 1, will honor Indigenous traditions as part of the museum's anniversary celebrations.
“This is an exciting year of anniversaries for the National Museum of the American Indian,” said Cynthia Chavez Lamar, the museum’s director. “From the 2024 Smithsonian Folklife Festival to our new exhibitions and exciting programs, we hope everyone will join us to celebrate Indigenous cultures.”
This summer, the Folger Shakespeare Library reopens on June 21, showcasing the world’s largest Shakespeare collection. DC’s event calendar is packed with festivals and events, including Capital Pride from May 31 to June 9, leading up to the anticipated 2025 WorldPride. Additionally, the 75th NATO Summit will convene at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center from July 9 to 11.
Other major openings were announced including the tech-driven White House visitors center, The People’s House, this fall, and the city’s first Arlo hotel in October.
In 2026, D.C. will host a year-long celebration for the country’s 250th anniversary, featuring events across the city’s cultural institutions, museums, and attractions.
In a related announcement, the Smithsonian’s National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute announced the return of two giant pandas by the end of the year.
The Zoo will be one of only two in the U.S. to see the beloved animals, and the only one with free entry.
DCC credits its stats to MMGY Travel Intelligence, S&P Global Market Intelligence, National Travel & Tourism Office, U.S. Department of Commerce.
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