As chief executive officer of Destination DC, the official convention and tourism marketing agency for the District, Bill Hanbury has been trying to get the word out about the city as summer vacation season approaches.
When does the peak tourism season begin for D.C.?
It actually began in March with the National Cherry Blossom Festival and it stays very, very busy up until mid-July. Then things start to fall off quite a bit. They pick up after Labor Day.
How many people generally visit?
Over 16 million people will come and stay as visitors to the District of Columbia during the year.
What type of financial impact do tourists typically have on the region?
In the District alone, it’s about $5.5 billion a year, and that generates almost $620 million in tax revenues for the District.
Do you expect the economic downturn to affect the number of visitors this year?
It’s certainly a tough economy nationally for the hospitality industry, but we’ve only seen a slight downturn in visitation. Actually, hotel occupancy is only down about 2 percent, while other parts of the country have seen much steeper declines.
Is it affecting how much tourists actually spend once they get here?
People are staying closer to home. They’re spending less money. They’re thinking more economically. And they’re staying a shorter amount of time. … All of that stuff plays into D.C.’s hand, in a good way, I think. I wouldn’t want to be Orlando or the Grand Canyon.
Why not?
They’re a long way away. And it takes awhile to get there.
What is the city’s most popular spot?
The No. 1 visited site is the World War II Memorial.
What’s your favorite place to take guests?
Standing on the steps of the Lincoln Memorial, looking down at the World War II Memorial and the Washington Monument, with the Capitol in the background, is in my opinion the most iconic view of Washington, D.C. Inspiring is the only term. I still get goosebumps every time I go.
