Washington, DC Sees Slight Growth In Visitation In 2025, Record Economic Impact From Tourism

WASHINGTON, DC - For the third year in a row, Washington, DC's tourism industry set a record for visitation and economic impact. More than 27.2 million people visited the nation's capital in 2025, modestly surpassing the previous year's record by 20,000 visitors. Despite overall visitation remaining on par with 2024, Destination DC, the city's official destination marketing organization, announced record economic impact from tourism: $11.9 billion in visitor spending, $2.4 billion in tax revenue and 114,013 jobs supported.

"The fact that Washington, DC saw record economic impact for the third straight year, especially in a challenging global environment, speaks to both the enduring appeal of our destination and efficacy of our sales and marketing," said Elliott L. Ferguson, II, president and CEO, DDC. "As we celebrate that, however, we remain steadfast in our efforts to entice international visitors that stay longer and spend more."

Of the 27.2 million overall visitors, 25.1 million traveled domestically - a slight increase year-over-year. International visitation, however, declined by 4 percent - performing better than the 5.5 percent decline to the U.S. overall.

"Overall, the record economic contribution from visitation creates immediate impact. That's why now is the time to reinvest in marketing, because when DDC has additional dollars to spend and a steady source of funding, the city sees bigger returns," Ferguson said.

Of the 27.2 million overall visitors, 25.1 million traveled domestically - a slight increase year-over-year. International visitation, however, declined by 4 percent - performing better than the 5.5 percent decline to the U.S. overall. "Overall, the record economic contribution The data demonstrates the success and importance of tourism marketing and sales efforts. From April 2023-October 2025, DDC received an additional one percent of the hotel tax through the tourism recovery district (TRD). This resulted in immediate economic returns for the city, local businesses and DC residents. According to an ROI study with the DC Office of the CFO and Future Partners, a leading tourism research company, DDC's $19.5 million spring and summer 2025 advertising campaign directly drove $41.3 million in tax revenue for the city and $470 million in visitor spending. That means every $1 spent on advertising generated more than $2 in tax revenue and $24 in visitor spending. This revenue supported city services that benefit all Washingtonians. The city's fiscal year 2026 budget, however, reallocated TRD funding. The DC Council provided a $6 million earmark to DDC for marketing and sales efforts, but DDC's overall advertising budget was cut by two-thirds. visitation creates immediate impact. That's why now is the time to reinvest in marketing, because when DDC has additional dollars to spend and a steady source of funding, the city sees bigger returns," Ferguson said.

Visitation data for 2025 underscores the resiliency of the market. For example, visitation dipped to 13.4 million in the pandemic year of 2020 and rebounded to record levels three years later, with 26 million visitors in 2023 and 27.2 million in 2024 and 2025. Similarly, following the economic downturn in 2008, visitation steadily rebounded from 16.3 million in 2009 to then-record levels, with 24.6 million visitors in 2019.

"We live in the best and most beautiful city in the world, with fantastic restaurants and hotels, great parks and a public transit system that takes you all over the city and region. And we love to show off our city to visitors from across the country and around the world," said DC Mayor Muriel Bowser. "We had some great events last year, like World Pride and the FIFA Club World Cup, and this summer we have a full lineup of America 250 events. So, we want people to check out all we have to offer, book their trips and come visit us in Washington, DC."

Destination DC remains agile to meet consumer sentiment. As part of its award-winning marketing campaign, There's Only One DC, a new video series entitled We the People DC humanizes the city through stories of DC residents. Campaign content connects to washington.org and DC250.us, a microsite for America's 250th anniversary where potential visitors can discover hotel deals, itinerary inspiration, local history and a year-long calendar of events. Editorial coverage complements paid and owned channels.

The new data was revealed during DDC's Travel Rally at the historic Lincoln Theatre. Next door, the iconic Ben's Chili Bowl reopened its original location on May 1 following nine months of repairs and restoration. Virginia Ali, who voiced the 'Only One DC' campaign launch video, was a featured speaker. The event is held annually with the U.S. Travel Association, which focuses on ways to make travel easier and promotes the industry's importance to communities across the country.

"Travel is essential to the U.S. economy-but too often it's treated as optional in policy decisions. That has to change," said Geoff Freeman, president and CEO, U.S. Travel Association. "Prioritizing travel means strengthening our economy, supporting millions of jobs and ensuring the United States stays competitive on the global stage. That's where we need to stay focused in the months to come."

Throughout 2026, the nation's 250th anniversary presents a major opportunity to drive visitation, with the city as center stage with a year-long commemoration. No place tells America's story as vividly as Washington, DC, the only place to see the Declaration of Independence and the best place to discover its impact. Experiences that set DC apart include the value of the city's free attractions, thought-provoking historic exhibitions, free festivals and modern experiences such as highly anticipated theater and acclaimed global cuisine. More than two dozen DC250 hotel packages encourage visitors to stay overnight, and forward-looking indicators are signaling strong demand for the July 4 period.

"The continued growth in tourism's economic impact in Washington, DC, speaks to the strength of the destination and its global appeal. International visitors tend to stay longer, spend more and build deeper connections to the United States," said Fred Dixon, president and CEO, Brand USA. "As we look ahead to major moments like America's 250th anniversary, destinations like DC will play an important role in inspiring global travelers to visit."

Major openings add to the momentum of a blockbuster summer, including the National Geographic Museum of Exploration, an innovative museum underneath the Lincoln Memorial, expansion of the National Air and Space Museum on its 50th anniversary, an improved Tidal Basin with new exhibits at the Jefferson Memorial and the African American Civil War Memorial Museum.

The nation's capital is also a premier destination for meetings, conventions and events. In 2026, there are 18 citywide conventions (groups with 2,500 rooms on peak), with approximately 376,000 total room nights, 246,000 attendees and an estimated $317 million in economic impact.

DC250 extends beyond July, with August's Indy Car race, Summer Restaurant Week, DC JazzFest, Theatre Week, the 10th anniversary of the National Museum of African American History and Culture, the largest renovation in the 50-year history of the Hirshhorn Museum and Sculpture Garden, a new concourse at Dulles International Airport and the dedication of the Desert Shield and Desert Storm Memorial. Excitement is also building for the 2027 NFL Draft to be held across the city's iconic landmarks next April.

Washington, DC Visitation Data: *

• In 2025, DC welcomed 27.2 million visitors, surpassing 2024 record by 20,000 visitors
  • 25.1 million domestic; 2.1 million international
• In 2024, DC welcomed a then-record setting 27.2 million visitors
  • 25 million domestic; 2.2 million international
• In 2023, DC welcomed 25.95 million visitors
  • 24 million domestic; 1.95 million international
• Prior to the pandemic, in 2019, DC welcomed 25.1 million total visitors
  • 22.8 million domestic; 2.3 million international
• In summary, total visitation grew by 20,000 year-over-year, as domestic visitation increased by 0.4% and international visitation declined by 4%.

Visitation Impact:

• Spending:
  • In 2025, visitors spent a record $11.9 billion, up 4%.
    • In 2024, visitors spent $11.4 billion.
• Jobs:
  • In 2025, visitors supported a record 114,013 jobs, up 2%.
    • In 2024, visitors supported 111,500 jobs.

• Tax Revenue:

  • In 2025, visitors generated a record $2.4 billion in tax revenue, up 4%.
    • In 2024, visitors generated $2.3 billion in tax revenue.

  International Visitation:

• Top international markets (in descending order): Canada, India, United Kingdom, Germany, China, France, Mexico, South Korea, Italy, Spain, Brazil, Australia, Japan

  *Sources: MMGY Travel Intelligence, S&P Global Market Intelligence, Tourism Economics, U.S. Department of Commerce

  About Destination DC: Destination DC, the official destination marketing organization for the nation's capital, is a private, non-profit membership organization committed to marketing the area as a premier global convention, tourism and special events destination with a special emphasis on the arts, cultural and historic communities. washington.org