D.C. tourism numbers rise as international visitors projected to fall
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D.C. saw record tourism numbers and a subsequent economic boost last year — but international travel to the District is expected to dip this year, city leaders and travel officials announced during a press conference Tuesday.
The big picture: Fewer people are traveling internationally to the U.S. due to safety concerns regarding the Trump administration's rhetoric and its policies on immigration and border control.
State of play: D.C. is poised to host a series of huge events over the next few years — WorldPride kicks off this month, America's 250th anniversary celebration is next summer, and the NFL Draft is slated to be held here in 2027.
- Fewer people are expected to travel internationally for WorldPride, organizers have said, due to the current administration's attacks on LGBTQ+ individuals and organizations.
By the numbers: More than 27 million people visited D.C. in 2024, a 1.25 million increase from the previous record, set in 2023, per a release from Destination D.C. (DDC).
- 25 million of 2024's visitors traveled domestically, while 2.2 million traveled internationally — a 10% international increase over 2023.
- Visitors spent $11.4 billion and generated $2.3 billion in tax revenue — saving each D.C. household $3,608 in taxes, per DDC.
Yes, but: There will likely be a 6.5% drop in international travelers to D.C. this year, per a Tourism Economics forecast included in DDC's release.
- Meanwhile, there's expected to be a 9.4% drop across the country.
What they're saying: "There's a perception forming that people might be detained or otherwise discouraged from coming here," said Geoff Freeman, CEO and president of the U.S. Travel Association.
- "I don't think this perception is accurate, but I know we've got a lot of work to do to shape a more favorable perception."
The intrigue: Visitors from other countries often spend more time in their destination cities and spend twice as much money as domestic travelers, per DDC.
- Case in point: International travelers made up 8% of D.C.'s visitation last year but 27% of its spending, according to DDC.