Alexandria Tourism Tops $1 Billion, Boosting Jobs, Revenue and Global Spotlight
Record visitor spending supports 5,700 jobs, generates $88 million in local tax revenue, and positions Alexandria for major events including America’s 250th and the 2026 World Cup
Alexandria, VA – If Alexandria feels more bustling than ever, the numbers help explain why.
Visitor spending in the city topped more than $1 billion in 2024 for the first time, according to Visit Alexandria, the city’s nonprofit destination marketing organization. The milestone comes as Alexandria’s tourism growth rate has outpaced both Northern Virginia and the Commonwealth overall.
That activity translates directly into city impact. In Fiscal Year 2025, Alexandria generated $88 million in consumption tax revenue from sales, meals, and lodging—funding core city services, supporting more than 5,700 jobs, and saving the average Alexandria household an estimated $832 annually.
As Alexandria marks National Travel and Tourism Week (May 3–9), the takeaway is clear: tourism isn’t just about visitors—it’s a key part of how the city functions.
“Tourism is an essential part of Alexandria’s economy, generating incremental revenues that support core city services,” said Todd O’Leary, President and CEO of Visit Alexandria. “Our industry supports local businesses, creates jobs, and connects visitors to stories of our neighborhoods and business owners.”
A Vibrant Scene Across Diverse Neighborhoods
That impact is visible across Alexandria’s vibrant neighborhoods—from foot traffic along King Street to in-demand restaurants and neighborhood shops in Old Town and beyond.
Visit Alexandria represents nearly 450 member businesses and works to ensure tourism’s benefits extend across the entire ecity.
A Waterfront Celebration with Deep Roots
As part of the nation’s America 250 commemoration, Alexandria will host Sails on the Potomac, a three-day waterfront festival set for June 12–14 at Waterfront Park.
The free, family-friendly event will bring historic tall ships—including Gazela, Kalmar Nyckel, Providence, and Sultana—to Alexandria’s waterfront, offering visitors a chance to step aboard and experience maritime history firsthand.
The event highlights Alexandria’s role in the nation’s founding—from the Fairfax Resolves, a 1774 statement protesting British rule and calling for colonial rights, to its early days as a thriving port city—and will feature interactive exhibits, educational programming, art, and live music. The weekend also includes the 48th annual ALX Jazz Fest and will culminate in a fireworks show on Saturday night.
A Global Stage: FIFA World Cup 2026
Alexandria will also take on an international role later this year as the official Team Base Camp for Croatia’s national soccer team during the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
The team will stay and train in Alexandria, using Episcopal High School as its training site. Visit Alexandria is maximizing this moment to bring global media attention, traveling fans, and increased visibility to the city.
“Hosting the top ten ranked team in global soccer is an incredible opportunity,” O’Leary said. “This will place Alexandria on the international stage and bring meaningful economic and cultural benefits to our community.”
Tourism in Action
Tourism’s impact isn’t only economic—it also shows up in community efforts.
On May 6, Visit Alexandria will lead a volunteer cleanup at Four Mile Run Park, bringing together board members and local partners to support a public space shared by residents and visitors alike.
A Local Impact That Lasts
For Alexandria residents, tourism is both visible and behind the scenes.
It’s the energy across the city, the strength of small businesses, and the historic, but never static, nature of Alexandria. It’s also the less visible impact—millions in tax revenue that help fund services and reduce costs for those who live here.
With record-setting numbers and global attention on the horizon, Alexandria’s tourism story is entering a new chapter—one that will be felt through every neighborhood.
