DC Hotels Surge 15% Post-Cherry Blossoms Amid Tourism Boom

Washington's hotel industry is basking in the afterglow of the 2026 National Cherry Blossom Festival, with occupancy rates jumping 15% compared to last year, according to preliminary data from Destination DC. The surge follows peak bloom on March 26, when over 70% of the Tidal Basin's more than 3,700 Yoshino cherry trees burst into pink splendor, drawing an estimated 1.5 million visitors annually. For the week of February 26 to March 4 leading into the festival, hotel rooms sold spiked 41% year-over-year, reaching 164,355 units—nearing but not yet matching pre-pandemic levels of 2019.