Destination DC unveils major new events pipeline as part of big new growth phase

Major events of international interest and several notable openings are set to power a new phase of growth for Washington, DC’s $10.2bn tourism industry, according to Destination DC (DDC), the city’s official destination marketing organisation. DDC unveiled strategies to build on an impactful first year of its ‘Only One DC’ campaign and leverage events, including the presidential inauguration and WorldPride 2025, at its annual Marketing Outlook Meeting at the Washington Hilton, 27 August. Mayor Bowser, local officials and key figures from the tourism and hospitality industry were in attendance. Mayor Bowser told the meeting: “I’m grateful for the people and teams who helped us hit a new tourism record in 2023. With everything we have coming up – from inauguration to WorldPride – we’re ready to welcome even more visitors and show the world why there’s only one DC.” “Nearly 26 million visitors to Washington, DC last year directly supported more than just our hotels, restaurants, tour operators and local businesses. Over $10bn in spending and $2bn in tax revenue impacts the entire city, emphasising the continued importance of tourism to Washington, DC,” said Elliott L. Ferguson, II, president and CEO, DDC. “We thank our local officials who understand the importance of our industry as we invest in marketing our destination through the lens of our successful ‘Only One DC’ campaign. New hotels, attractions and restaurants provide even more reasons for potential travellers to stay longer and spend more.” Tennis fans around the world will see Washington, DC as the Official Tourism Partner of the US Open in New York City, DC’s top visitor market. In partnership with Events DC, the collaboration will reach 200 million potential visitors between the in-person and television audience. Major events are poised to attract visitors. On 20 January, 2025, the first post-pandemic presidential inauguration will take place on the West Lawn of the US Capitol, with events throughout the city. Following the National Cherry Blossom Festival in the spring, WorldPride 2025 is expected to bring approximately two million overnight visitors, 23 May – 8 June, with an economic impact of $787m (S&P Global). Citywide conventions and meetings of all sizes are important to DDC’s strategy and role as an economic engine for Washington, DC. In 2025, there are 341,803 total room nights stemming from citywide convention business with an economic impact of $344m. In addition, 334 non-convention centre meetings are responsible for 280,854 total room nights. Growing international meetings is a focus of DDC’s ‘Collective,’ a group consisting of the International Business Events Council and those planning annual meetings in DC. While hotel occupancy across the nation still trails pre-pandemic levels, DC’s occupancy, average daily rate and revenue per available room has made faster gains and is in the top 25 in the US relative to 2019. Hotel occupancy is up three percent through July 2024 compared to 2023. There are 23 new or renovated hotels and 3,937 rooms in the pipeline through 2028. Visitors can look forward to new developments and free attractions. 13 September will mark the installation of a new centrepiece of the National World War I Memorial, ‘A Soldier’s Journey’. On 23 September, ‘The People’s House: A White House Experience’, will open as a cutting-edge new White House educational experience. There is $10.2 bn in projects currently under construction, according to the Washington, DC Economic Partnership. The 20th DC JazzFest features a star-studded lineup over Labor Day weekend. Theatre Week kicks off 26 September with more than 30 productions. Sporting events continue to come to the city, including opportunities under the umbrella of the 2026 World Cup, bidding for the men’s and women’s Rugby World Cup in 2031 and 2033, and NCAA basketball and hockey tournaments. Anticipation is also building for 2026, when Washington, DC will host a year-long celebration commemorating America’s 250th anniversary.