Government Shutdown Hits D.C. Tourism Hard
Washington D.C.’s vibrant tourism sector is currently facing significant challenges, directly impacting our local economy and the array of small businesses that thrive on visitor foot traffic. A confluence of recent administrative actions, including the presence of federal officers, and the ongoing government shutdown has led to fewer visitors and widespread attraction closures, creating a palpable ripple effect across our capital city.
The Double Whammy on D.C. Visitors
D.C. tourism has endured repeated blows this year. Starting in the summer, images of National Guard troops and federal officers stationed across the city deterred potential visitors. Now, the ongoing government shutdown, which began in October, has forced the closure of many of Washington’s most iconic sightseeing attractions.
Major institutions like the Library of Congress and all 21 museums under the Smithsonian Institution banner are inaccessible. While some of our city’s privately funded museums, open-air national monuments, memorials, and even high-end restaurants remain open, these widespread closures are severely accelerating the decline in tourism.
Economic Fallout for Local Businesses
The absence of tourists is hitting our community hard. Elliott Ferguson, president and CEO of Destination DC, notes that “everything from the small mom-and-pop sandwich shops to the larger entities are impacted.” With D.C. in its prime months for convention business and tourism, the impact is described as “significant.”
Tourism is a cornerstone of our local economy, directly supporting thousands of jobs. In 2024, over 27 million people visited D.C., contributing an impressive $11.4 billion to the city. However, the recent closures have caused immediate and measurable economic pain. In October alone, the revenue per available hotel room, a key indicator for the hospitality industry, plummeted by nearly 9%. This stark decline highlights the critical role tourism plays in sustaining countless local livelihoods and businesses, from souvenir shops to event planners.
What’s Open and How D.C. is Responding
To combat this downturn and avoid repeating history – the previous Trump-era shutdown cost D.C. an estimated $47 million in lost revenue – Destination DC has proactively reactivated its “D.C. is Open” campaign. This initiative aims to inform potential visitors and locals alike about the many fantastic attractions and experiences that are still available across the city.
Visitors can still explore beloved institutions like the International Spy Museum and the National Museum of Women in the Arts. Furthermore, Destination DC is working to highlight incentives being offered by various museums and businesses that normally charge admission, encouraging continued patronage. Despite these commendable efforts, local businesses, such as tour operators like DC by Foot, express significant nervousness about the upcoming holiday season. December is traditionally a peak time for visits, and there’s concern that travelers may now opt to stay away.
Snapshot: D.C. Attractions During the Shutdown
| Open Attractions | Closed Attractions (Government Shutdown) |
|---|---|
| Privately funded museums (e.g., Spy Museum, National Museum of Women in the Arts) | Smithsonian Institution museums (all 21) |
| Open-air national monuments and memorials | Library of Congress |
| High-end restaurants and many local eateries | Most publicly funded attractions and federal sites |
Your Questions Answered
- What D.C. attractions are currently closed due to the shutdown?
The 21 Smithsonian Institution museums and the Library of Congress are among the major publicly funded attractions closed. - Which D.C. attractions are still open?
Privately funded museums like the International Spy Museum and the National Museum of Women in the Arts remain open. Open-air national monuments and memorials are also generally accessible. - How is the shutdown impacting D.C.’s economy?
Local small businesses and restaurants are significantly affected by the lack of tourist spending. The city saw a nearly 9% drop in hotel revenue per available room in October alone. - What is being done to encourage tourism?
Destination DC has revived its “D.C. is Open” campaign, highlighting available attractions and promoting incentives offered by privately funded museums.
As locals, our support for the community during this challenging time is more critical than ever. Consider planning a visit to one of our many privately funded museums, enjoying a meal at a local restaurant that relies on visitor business, or exploring the open-air monuments and memorials that remain accessible. By actively engaging with what D.C. still has to offer, your patronage can make a tangible difference for the businesses and individuals feeling the financial pinch of this unprecedented situation.
DC Tourism Hard Hit by Government Shutdown
