Arlington, Virginia had 7.1 million visitors in 2023, according to a study released this week by the Arlington Convention and Visitors Service. Prepared by Tourism Economics, the study shows that these visitors spent a record $4.5 billion in Arlington County on transportation, food and beverage, lodging, recreation and retail. The total economic impact of these visitors supported nearly 27,600 jobs and generated $341 million in state and local tax revenues.
Tourism Economics cites greater consumer confidence combined with traveler preferences to return to urban areas as two key reasons for an additional 600,000 Arlington visitors over 2022. Although visitation to Arlington hasn’t yet reached the 2019 level of 8 million people, visitor- and travel-related spending in the county surpassed pre-COVID levels by nearly $90 million.
"This study marks a major turning point for Arlington and its hospitality businesses," said Arlington County Board Chair Libby Garvey. “Reaching record visitor spending after the challenges of the pandemic is a great accomplishment," she said.
"These 2023 results highlight the strength and resilience of Arlington’s tourism businesses," said Arlington Chamber President & CEO Kate Bates. Arlington’s hospitality and hotel economy was one of the hardest hit in Virginia during the pandemic.
The Tourism Economics study also analyzed the economic value generated in 2023 by ACVS group sales and leisure marketing initiatives. These activities are credited with drawing nearly 82,000 visitors who spent $29 million in Arlington. These and other sales and marketing efforts were funded through a $3.25 million Virginia Tourism Corporation American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) grant ACVS received in February 2022 to drive overnight hotel stays and spending in Arlington. This grant ended in June 2024.
"The work of the ACVS team is critical in promoting Arlington — not just as an attractive travel destination, but also as a dynamic place to live and work," said Arlington Economic Development Director Ryan Touhill. "Showcasing Arlington’s arts and cultural experiences, historic discoveries and other assets to travelers, meeting professionals and our wider business-investment audiences strengthens our overall economic development strategy."
View the full 2023 Tourism Economics study, Arlington, Virginia Visitor Economy, and learn more about Arlington tourism promotion at stayarlington.com