Mei Xiang and Tian Tian's child and a second panda will be coming to the Smithsonian's National Zoo. Photo Credit: Courtesy of the National Zoo
Washington, D.C., welcomed nearly 26 million visitors in 2023, a 17 percent surge from the previous year, surpassing the prepandemic record set in 2019. These findings and more were revealed at a Destination DC Travel Rally event on May 29, with news updates from Destination DC president and CEO Elliott Ferguson, Mayor Muriel Bowser, U.S. Travel Association president and CEO Geoff Freeman and others.
The event was held at the National Museum of the American Indian, now celebrating its 20th year on the National Mall and opening a new exhibit called Unbound: Narrative Art of the Plains on June 1.
Elliott Ferguson, president and CEO of Destination DC Photo Credit: Courtesy of Washington.orgDomestic travel drove the rebound
Last year’s record-breaking visitor numbers were driven by some 24 million U.S. travelers, said Ferguson, which is 105 percent of 2019 levels. International visitation, however, still is below prepandemic levels, with 1.95 million visitors coming to D.C.
“We were fortunate to see people from the area coming back to Washington and filling hotels,” said Ferguson, “but as we talk about economic impact and development, we do focus on the international market. They stay longer, they spend more, and we want them back.”
He thanked Mayor Bowser and the city council for the support and funds needed to market the destination more heavily around the globe.
Washington, D.C., Mayor Muriel Bowser Photo Credit: Courtesy of Washington.orgTravel brought needed revenue and jobs
The influx of visitors led to two more record-breaking statistics, the mayor announced: $10.2 billion in visitor spending in 2023 (29 percent over the previous year), and 102,366 tourism-related jobs, representing a substantial contribution to employment and economic stability in the city.
“I learned this lesson a long time ago,” said Bowser. “The hospitality industry employs real Washingtonians, real Americans. They pay good wages so that people are able to invest in their families. Isn't that what the industry should be all about?”
Geoff Freeman, president and CEO for the U.S. Travel Association Photo Credit: Courtesy of Washington.orgA strong travel year for the nation
Washington, D.C.’s success is reflective of a nationwide success story, noted U.S. Travel’s Geoff Freeman. Travel represented about $2.8 trillion in economic activity and supported 15 million jobs last year. “It has been a remarkable rebound for travel,” he said. “If we just go back four years ago, people were writing travel’s obituary…. This recovery has been nothing short of extraordinary.”
Continuing a panda family legacy
Pamela Baker-Masson, director of communications for the Smithsonian Institution and National Zoo, was on hand for another major reveal: The Smithsonian’s National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute today announced the forthcoming arrival of a two giant pandas, Bao Li and Qing Bao, later this year. The news marks a significant milestone in the zoo’s 50-year commitment to giant panda conservation. It’s also huge news for tourism: Pandas have drawn millions of visitors to the zoo, as well as to the “panda cam,” she said.
The official announcement was shared this morning in a video posted on NZCBI’s social media platforms in which First Lady Dr. Jill Biden, Smithsonian secretary Lonnie G. Bunch III and NZCBI director Brandie Smith shared the eagerly anticipated news.
The newcomers will be a 2-year-old male named Bao Li — which means “treasure” and “energetic” in Mandarin, who is the offspring of Tian Tian and Mei Xiang (pictured above), former stars of NZCBI. He will be joined by Qing Bao, a 2-year-old female, also of fine lineage, whose name means “green treasure.”
In preparation for their arrival, extensive renovations are underway at the David M. Rubenstein Family Giant Panda Habitat.
Summer and fall event calendar preview
Well before the pandas arrive (by FedEx!), the district has a full calendar of events and attractions for the coming months. Among the highlights:
• The Folger Shakespeare Library, a Capitol Hill landmark that holds the world’s largest collection related to the Bard, will reopen on June 21.
• Capital Pride runs from May 31 through June 9, and will serve as a prelude to WorldPride, a two-week festival that could bring millions to the nation’s capital in 2025.
• The 75th NATO Summit will be held at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center July 9-11.
• A new tech-driven White House visitors center, The People’s House, opens this fall.
• In 2026, Washington, DC will host a yearlong celebration commemorating America’s 250th anniversary throughout the city’s cultural institutions, museums, attractions, restaurants and hotels.
Hotels prepare for crowds
In local hotel news, the city’s first Arlo property opens in October. The Salamander, on the revitalized Southwest Waterfront, is expected to complete its phased enhancements. In addition, recent renovations have been unveiled at the St. Regis Washington, D.C.; the Four Seasons Hotel Washington, DC; and the Capital Hilton.