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Arlington Welcomes Inaugural Guests |
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Thousands of visitors to arrive in Arlington January 17-20 |
The 44th Presidential Inauguration will be a momentous occasion which will bring both opportunities and challenges. Arlington is prepared to welcome thousands of visitors, and to show them why Arlington is one of the most sought after places to live, work and visit. Like so many of our attractions, monuments, and memorials, the Inauguration ties into Arlington’s message: National History. Local Flavor.
Arlington has long been the destination of many visitors with top attractions like the Arlington National Cemetery (attracting upwards of 4 million visitors in 2007), Theodore Roosevelt Island (109,000 visitors) and the U.S. Marine Corps War Memorial (Iwo Jima) (1.4 million visitors). More recent additions such as the Air Force Memorial (225,000 visitors in 2007) and the Pentagon Memorial (220,000 in 2008) have increased those numbers.
Nevertheless, the number expected over the four-day Inauguration weekend will be unprecedented; and Arlington will benefit greatly from increased visitor spending. The total economic impact of the four-day Inauguration weekend is estimated at over $28 million – an increase of $20 million from the same period last year. Hotel room occupancy is nearly double that of last year, and room rates will average $390 per night compared to $165 in 2008. In addition to hotel revenue, Arlington’s restaurants will also likely see a massive influx of spending. Meals purchased are estimated to be nearly three times that of last year: over $3 million in meals will be purchased compared to $1 million in 2008. Arlington hotels and merchants are pleased to see this $20 million bump in local spending.
As the region braces for one of the largest influxes of people in recent years, Arlington has been hard at work preparing for thousands of guests – many who will be coming to Arlington for the very first time. The County is welcoming all visitors for this joyous, historic event, and is preparing to make the experience of our out-of-town guests a positive one. Arlington’s priorities are ensuring safe participation and access to events for both residents and visitors. Our hospitality community, and Arlington’s police, fire and emergency management teams have been working together so that each visitor, resident or guest in Arlington will enjoy themselves, and be well informed and prepared for any situation.
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