06-05-2025
D.C. tourism numbers rise as international visitors projected to fall
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.
