More Brits visit Washington DC
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Washington DC welcomed a record number of visitors in 2015, due in part to an increase in arrivals from the UK.
According to the latest data from Destination DC, the US capital’s tourism body, 21.3 million domestic and international visitors headed to Washington DC last year, up 5% over 2014.
The number of British visitor arrivals to the city increased 4.6% to 201,000. This made the UK the second largest source of overseas visitors to Washington DC, after China (not including Canada and Mexico).
“We’re thrilled with another record visitation year, welcoming just over two million overseas visitors for the first time along with the 19.3 million domestic visitors,” said Destination DC’s president & CEO, Elliott L. Ferguson. “Visitor spending reached US$7.1 billion (GBP5.4bn), up 4.1%. Tourism is an economic engine for the city.”
As well as the city’s main attractions, such as the Smithsonian, White House, Capitol Building and Lincoln Memorial, a series of new developments are taking place in Washington DC, worth a total of US$9.6bn. These include the Wharf, a 10-hectare project rising along the Southwest Waterfront, and nearly 4,500 new hotel rooms.
The Smithsonian’s National Museum of African American History & Culture opens in September, as does the National Gallery of Art’s East Building, following a three-year renovation. And in October, the city will become only the fourth North American destination to get its own Michelin Guide.
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