DC tourism rises, though experts predict downturn

A steady increase in the number of international visitors in recent years could help offset a possible decline in the number of leisure travelers and conventions held in the city. Also, the inauguration of either Barack Obama or John McCain as the next president is expected to rejuvenate international interest in the city, said William Hanbury, president and chief executive of the tourism bureau Destination D.C.

"There's a sea change taking place, whether it's a Democrat or a Republican," Hanbury said, adding he believes the Bush administration policies damaged the U.S. image around the world. "If we start reaching out and acting a bit more collegially internationally, we're going to be in better shape."

Washington tourism saw a sharp decline following the 9/11 terrorist attacks, a loss of about 2 million visitors annually compared with figures from 2000. With steady increases in international travel, officials expect the number of foreign visitors will rebound to pre-9/11 levels by 2011.

"Any change is going to be an improvement for the U.S. tourism industry," Hanbury said.

Hanbury predicted both Obama and McCain would make Washington a more exciting place to visit, along with the reopening of the Smithsonian's National Museum of American History and the opening of the new Capitol Visitor Center later this year.

Still, tourism economist Ken McGill warns household income is beginning to decline in U.S. cities along the East Coast that help feed D.C. tourism.

"Travel decisions are primarily driven by economics," McGill said.

When money is tight, the competition among destinations cities like New York, Orlando and Washington will increase, so the capital city may have to spend more money on promotions to maintain its rank as the eighth-most visited U.S. destination, McGill said.

Washington counted 16.2 million visitors in 2007--a 7 percent increase from the previous year, according to tourism officials. Visitor spending also increased 6 percent to $5.5 billion in 2007. The number of international visitors to the city rose 13 percent, due in part to the weak value of the dollar.