May 31, 2024
Dear Washingtonians,
Earlier this week, we announced that in 2023, we welcomed a record-breaking 25.95 million people to Washington, DC. That’s a big deal – up 17% from last year and surpassing the previous record that we set in 2019.
I say frequently that tourism is not just fun and games, it’s also dollars and cents. It is an industry that is supported by our fantastic hospitality partners, who are not only helping us welcome visitors to DC, they’re also creating jobs for DC residents. In fact, we set two more records in 2023: $10.2 billion in visitor spending, with 102,366 local jobs supported. That’s what we mean when we say tourism and visitation fuels our local economy and generates revenue for us to invest in education, public safety, health care, transportation, and programs and services across all eight wards.
 That’s why we have been so focused on ensuring visitation not only returns to pre-pandemic levels, but that we exceed those levels. Because when people fill our streets and sidewalks, fill our bars and restaurants, fill our hotels and convention center, it creates that energy that makes DC such a dynamic, multicultural, and global epicenter. All of us should take pride in the fact that people travel thousands of miles to be here. And it’s important that we deliver that world-class experience and create even more reasons for people to come here — like next year, when Washington, DC will host World Pride 2025!
So, we look forward to welcoming even more visitors — for short trips, medium trips, long trips. We want people to explore our neighborhoods, meet our people, and enjoy our beautiful city. There’s truly only one Washington, DC.
Sincerely,
 View photos from this week on Facebook.
Walk with Mayor Bowser in one of the nation’s largest Pride parades, celebrating unity and diversity at the 49th Annual Capital Pride Parade. This is truly an event you will not want to miss, honoring the LGBTQIA+ community’s fight and vibrancy with the theme “Totally Radical.” This year’s event features a new parade route, starting on 14th St NW and ending on Pennsylvania Avenue NW.
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When: Saturday, June 8
- Meet up at 2:00 p.m.
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Parade begins at 3:00 p.m.
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Where: Meet at the Frank D. Reeves Municipal Center, 2000 14th Street NW
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RSVP: tinyurl.com/MMBPrideWalk2024
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Tomorrow, on Saturday, June 1, the Department of Public Works and the Department of Energy and Environment will transform RFK Stadium Lot 8 into a hub of innovation and fun for the District of Columbia's annual Truck Touch and Electric Vehicle Grand Prix event.
Truck Touch features a host of government agencies presenting and demonstrating nearly 30 vehicles used to clean and repair streets, change traffic lights, collect refuse, clear snow, provide emergency services, administer mobile health care, and more. Children are encouraged to climb into the vehicles and learn about the various pieces of equipment. The Department of Parks and Recreation will also provide activities for people of all ages, such as tennis, basketball, and fitness instruction.
The DC EV Grand Prix is part of an educational program where more than 300 high school students representing 20 schools across the region apply their scientific, mathematic, and engineering talents in designing and constructing their own racing EVs, under the guidance of teachers and engineers from Global EEE.
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When: Saturday, June 1
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Truck Touch: 8:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.
- EV Grand Prix: 9:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
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Where: RFK Stadium Lot 8, 2400 East Capital Street SE
- Learn more HERE
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Who doesn’t love lunch and a show? Starting on June 6 and lasting all summer long, the DowntownDC BID will be hosting a free lunchtime concert every Thursday in June and July at 12:30 p.m. in Franklin Park. Not only can you enjoy concerts from pop, soul, and jazz talents, but also free offerings from local businesses.
And, while you’re enjoying the concert series, be sure to pick up a Summer Events Discount Card, offering a 10% discount at select participating restaurants. Find more information about the music series, including the performance schedule, as well as the Summer Events Discount Card, HERE.
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Last week, we released Mayor Bowser's annual progress report.
Read more about the progress we have made together at progressreport.dc.gov.
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