D.C. Reached 77.6 Percent of its Pre-Pandemic Visitor Numbers in 2021 – Washington City Paper

In 2021, D.C. welcomed 19.1 million guests, up from 13.3 million guests in 2020, in accordance with numbers shared by Vacation spot DC, the District’s official advertising group. And, as the town continues to heal from the COVID-19 pandemic, DDC is targeted on returning to pre-pandemic visitation numbers.

The group reviews there are greater than 26 new resorts or renovations within the pipeline, including over 5,892 new or renovated rooms all through D.C.

“We’re very completely satisfied to have guests from throughout the nation and all over the world again in D.C. – visiting the various sights in our metropolis, eating in our eating places, purchasing at native companies, staying in our resorts, after which telling individuals again house about all of the unbelievable issues to do in Washington, D.C.,” Mayor Muriel Bowser stated at DDC’s annual advertising outlook assembly on Aug. 31.  

The impression of the COVID-19 pandemic 

Previous to the pandemic, in 2019, D.C. welcomed 24.6 million complete guests (22.8 million home; 1.8 million from abroad) who generated $8.2 billion for the native economic system and supported 79,675 jobs throughout all sectors. In 2021, 19.1 million guests traveled to D.C., reaching 77.6 p.c of 2019 ranges. 

There have been 18.8 million home guests (up 44 p.c over 2020) and 269,736 abroad guests (up 21 p.c over 2020). Guests spent $5.4 billion (up 45 p.c over 2020) and supported 57,933 native jobs (up 41 p.c over 2020).

All through the pandemic, DDC focused on growing abroad visitation, particularly in prime European markets the place restoration potential is probably going quicker. In 2019, abroad guests accounted for seven p.c of visitation and 27 p.c of the spend, so rising abroad market share by strategic gross sales and media missions might result in a larger financial impression.

Sometimes, prime and rising markets for the nation’s capital embody China, the UK, France, Germany, India and Australia.

“Journey’s future is promising and brilliant,” Geoff Freeman, president and CEO of the U.S. Journey Affiliation, stated on the assembly. “With a concerted effort to deal with at the moment’s headwinds – together with slow-to-return enterprise journey and government-induced obstacles for worldwide guests – we’re assured that Washington, D.C. and the nation can obtain a full restoration.”

Future outlooks in accordance with Vacation spot DC

In 2023 and 2024, the town expects to welcome 18 and 20 citywide conventions. In an effort to assist fill resorts throughout want durations, DDC additionally plans to develop company enterprise alternatives and maximize the town’s sustainability choices to draw teams. 

Main occasions, equivalent to DC JazzFest, the return of Theatre Week for the primary time because the pandemic and Main League Soccer’s All-Star Recreation are amongst quite a few alternatives for journey. 

“We’re going to preserve spreading the phrase that D.C. is open, and we are going to preserve giving individuals new methods to get pleasure from our metropolis – from conferences and concert events, to festivals and 5Ks, and all the opposite occasions that carry individuals collectively and uplift the values and tradition of our group,” Bowser stated. 

Advertising and marketing the D.C. expertise

DDC’s Expertise DC promoting marketing campaign targets potential native, regional and nationwide guests exhibiting indicators of touring. It’s rooted in analysis of what vacationers search for in D.C., and targets embody eclectic cultural vacationers, sports activities fans, foodies, and households. 

Paid social and influencer advertising are additionally vital elements: Based on Vacation spot Analysts, greater than half of vacationers determine to go to a vacation spot after seeing it on their social media account.