The nation’s capital posted its best tourism numbers ever, attracting nearly 18 million visitors, the city’s tourism bureau announced Tuesday.
The draw broke the previous record set for the District in 2000, when 17.4 million people visited the city. The District also welcomed 1.8 million overseas visitors in 2011, a 4.1 percent increase over 2010.
Elliott Ferguson, president and CEO of Destination DC, said the city’s booming development is playing a role.
“With more than $8 billion of development currently under construction, there will be even more hotels, dining, retail, museums and attractions for visitors to experience when they come to the District, helping to attract more travelers from all over the world,” he said in a statement.
In addition, more than $662 million in annual tax revenue was generated by visitor spending, an infusion that takes off approximately $2,400 per year in taxes for D.C. households, according to Destination DC. Liz Farmer
