A record 27.2 million people visited Washington, D.C., in 2024, Destination DC announced Tuesday.
The figure exceeds the previous high, set in 2023, by 1.25 million visitors. This record-setting tourism generated $11.4 billion in visitor spending, $2.3 billion in tax revenue and supported 111,500 jobs. Tourism savings amount to $3,608 in taxes per District household.
Destination DC, the city’s official marketing organization, revealed the data during its annual Travel Rally at Nationals Park, held in conjunction with the U.S. Travel Association. The event coincided with the Washington Nationals’ 20th anniversary celebration.
The District is positioning itself as the “Capital of Sports,” with Audi Field hosting three premier matches of the inaugural FIFA Club World Cup in late June and the city’s landmarks, including the National Mall and Pennsylvania Avenue, set to host the 2027 NFL Draft.
Of the total visitors, 25 million were domestic travelers — exceeding the previous year’s total by one million, with a growth rate more than three times that of 2023. International visitors accounted for 2.2 million people, representing 10% year-over-year growth.
International visitors, who typically stay longer and spend twice as much as domestic travelers, made up 8% of total visitation but accounted for 27% of spending.
“Washington, D.C., has welcomed more people than ever before for the second straight year,” said Elliott L. Ferguson II, president and CEO of Destination DC. “The impact of visitation is immediate and it’s a big deal for D.C.’s bottom line.”
Ferguson noted the organization remains cautious about 2025, focusing on promoting the capital as a welcoming destination, particularly for international visitors.
Additional funding allows Destination DC to strengthen the city’s position as a premier destination for meetings and conventions. Business travelers make up a third of domestic visitors but account for 45% of domestic spending.
“Two years ago, we released a Comeback Plan focused on bringing people back to D.C.,” said D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser. “Many people think of sports, entertainment, and tourism as being fun and games, but as I like to say, it’s also dollars and cents.”
