DC recorded an unprecedented 27.2 million guests in 2024, up by 5 per cent from the earlier yr, in accordance with new information launched by Vacation spot DC (DDC). This determine included 25 million home and a pair of.2 million worldwide guests. India emerged because the top-spending worldwide market, contributing USD 344 million and rating third in quantity after Canada and the UK.
The customer inflow generated USD 11.4 billion in direct spending, a rise of 12 per cent year-on-year. Tourism supported 111,500 jobs and introduced in USD 2.3 billion in tax income. Based on DDC, this financial affect interprets right into a saving of USD 3,608 in taxes for every DC family. Home enterprise journey accounted for 30 per cent of home visits, with a 7 per cent rise from 2023.
The information follows the primary full yr of Vacation spot DC’s expanded tourism promotion efforts funded by the Tourism Restoration District (TRD). An unbiased examine highlighted a return of USD 2.09 in tax income for each USD 1 spent on advertising in 2024. Elliott L. Ferguson, II, president and CEO of DDC, famous the financial significance of tourism and harassed the necessity to preserve momentum amid altering international developments.
Worldwide guests made up solely 8 per cent of arrivals however accounted for 27 per cent of whole spending, reflecting their longer stays and better expenditures. Nonetheless, Tourism Economics forecasts a 6.5 per cent lower in worldwide journey to DC in 2025, in comparison with a nationwide common decline of 9.4 per cent .
Main worldwide occasions such because the FIFA Membership World Cup and WorldPride DC 2025 are anticipated to maintain curiosity within the vacation spot. Trying forward, DC is making ready for a year-long celebration marking the USA’ 250th anniversary in 2026. The commemorations will embody city-wide cultural programming, upgrades to nationwide landmarks, and a number of other new museum openings.
The figures have been introduced on the annual Journey Rally hosted by DDC and the U.S. Journey Affiliation at Nationals Park, additional highlighting the town’s rising popularity as a sporting and cultural hub.
