Washington Expects 50 Million Visitors as America 250 Lifts July 4 Hotel Bookings 17%
Updated
Updated · The Washington Post · Jun 28
Washington Expects 50 Million Visitors as America 250 Lifts July 4 Hotel Bookings 17%
3 articles · Updated · The Washington Post · Jun 28
Summary
Nearly 50 million visitors are expected on the National Mall this year, up from a typical 36 million, with Washington bracing for a record summer tourism surge tied to America 250 events and Trump-linked programming.
July 4 hotel bookings were already up 17% from a year earlier by mid-June, and June 14 occupancy jumped nearly 30% from 2025 during a White House UFC Freedom 250 event.
Hotels near the Mall are outperforming other parts of the city, and businesses are rolling out high-end packages priced at $25,000 a night or as much as $250,000.
The city is extending Metro service until at least 2 a.m., while more than 800,000 fireworks shells will halt Reagan National flights after noon on July 4.
Tourism remains a major economic engine after visitors spent a record $11.9 billion and generated $2.4 billion in tax revenue last year, even as some residents plan to leave town to avoid congestion.