The number of Brits visiting the Capital Region USA is expected to surpass pre-pandemic figures next year.
Capital Region USA, the official destination marketing organisation promoting Washington, DC, Virginia, and Maryland internationally, has reported a bounce-back in visitors since the US reopened its borders a year ago.
It predicts UK numbers to the region will reach almost 228,000 by the end of 2022, which is 88% of the total in 2019.
The forecast for 2023 is almost 332,000, up by 28% on 2019’s total.
More: Special Report: US destinations eye full UK recovery in 2024
Scott Balyo, executive director at Capital Region USA, said: “Over the last 12 months it has been great to see UK travellers return to our region, whether that’s visiting friends and family, or holidaymakers enjoying our beautiful landscapes, rich history and diverse cities.
“On the ground, the tourism industry has shown incredible resilience, adjusting and adapting to meet post-pandemic traveller needs.
“We’re feeling positive and looking to the future; UK travellers remain our number one international market and we are confident in surpassing pre-pandemic figures next year.”
He highlighted developments such as the re-opening of Smithsonian’s Air & Space Museum after a four-year renovation; the completion of the Metro’s Silver Line, making it easier to reach DC from Dulles International Airport; the US premiere of Cirque De Soleil’s latest touring show; and the return of Artscape Festival in Baltimore.
Washington Dulles International Airport in Virginia has seen arrivals from Europe at 92% of 2019 figures, while BWI Marshall Airport in Baltimore, Maryland, reported that arrivals for 2022 so far are 93% of 2019 levels.
White House picture credit: Washington.org