In 2025, Washington, D.C. experienced a slight increase in tourism, with 27.2 million visitors reported, a rise of 20,000 from 2024. This increase was thanks primarily to domestic travelers, as international visits declined by 4%, although this was less than the 5.5% drop seen nationwide. Elliott Ferguson, the president of Destination DC, emphasized the need to combat negative perceptions of the city abroad and promote its diverse neighborhoods beyond the usual tourist spots.
Mayor Muriel Bowser acknowledged the challenges of international travel and underscored the importance of making it easier for foreign visitors to come to the U.S., as they typically spend more and stay longer. Bowser proposed expanding the city’s Tourism Revitalization District in her budget to increase marketing funds.
Tourism spending in D.C. grew by 4% to $11.9 billion, supporting approximately 114,000 jobs. Both Ferguson and Bowser are optimistic that upcoming events related to America’s 250th anniversary will further boost tourism.
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