Travel Trends, Business Openings: Visit Alexandria Shares 'What's New In 2025'

ALEXANDRIA, VA — As the region monitors uncertainty from federal government downsizing affecting federal workers and contractors, Alexandria's tourism industry continues to look for ways to boost visitors and tourism-related revenues to the city.

Tourism-focused organization Visit Alexandria held its “What’s New in Alexandria in 2025” meeting for its members Tuesday at Virginia Tech Innovation Campus. The campus, which held a grand opening in late February, is one of the new additions to the city touted by officials as a catalyst for more economic opportunities.

Todd O'Leary, president and CEO at Visit Alexandria, pointed to a record $941 million in spending by visitors traveling to Alexandria from 50 or more miles away in 2024. That's up from $801 million last year and above the pre-pandemic level of $867 million in 2019.

"The success we've seen over the years reaffirms that both travel and tourism are not only catalysts for economic growth but also essential drivers in our strategy to build a resilient, diversified local economy," said O'Leary. "Our work promoting Alexandria as a top destination continues to drive interest and investment in emerging neighborhoods like here in Potomac Yard, helping to shape the city's next chapter."

Vice Mayor Sarah Bagley spoke about how visitors to Alexandria are likely to return. Bagley recalled how she was first a visitor and later moved to the city. Her first experience in the city was spending time at Port City Brewing Company where a friend worked, and she later went on dates in Del Ray. Two weeks ago, she also observed a waterfront proposal with a heart-shaped rose display.

"It's another example of the things people come here to experience, and that's the crucial role that your hotels play, that your restaurants play, that your event businesses play, because they say come here and we'll create a unique, memorable opportunity for you," said Bagley.

Bagley said it could take one good experience at a business or special event to leave a lasting impression on a visitor.

"I really did live the story that [Visit Alexandria's Todd O'Leary] and this data is telling and your businesses tell, is that once you bring people here, once you experience it, you come back. And some of them choose to move here, which is what I did," said Bagley.

Marian Marquez, a senior vice president at the Alexandria Economic Development Partnership, shared an update on development goals for the city. She shared AEDP's targeted catalyst sites — in Old Town North, Potomac Yard, Carlyle and West End — which could be an anchor that attracts more mixed-use development and provide revenue for city services. There are other existing catalyst sites that are being developed at the WestEnd Alexandria development, the National Science Foundation and U.S. Patent and Trademark Office, Robinson Terminal North, the Oakville development and more.

"We are really looking to diversify the economy of Alexandria and make it more resilient," said Marquez.

Anchors sought by AEDP for catalyst sites are sports and entertainment, health and wellness, medical and academic uses. Potomac Yard continues to be a desirable catalyst site, even with plans for an arena and entertainment district being withdrawn. According to Marquez, AEDP still has a vision for bringing an entertainment district to Potomac Yard. Marquez said the new Virginia Tech Innovation Campus is making a difference, just as it was a reason for Amazon to pick neighboring Arlington for its second headquarters.

"I cannot overstate how important Virginia Tech is as an asset," said Marquez. "When our teams are going out and talking to prospects who are interested in Alexandria, the opportunity to be close to Virginia Tech or adjacent to it...it's a huge competitive advantage for us."

During the presentation, Visit Alexandria also shared new restaurants, retail and other experiences that have opened or will soon open. Some of the highlights are:

• Cooper Mill, a restaurant concept in a restored historic warehouse led by Murray Bonitt of Bonitt Builders and restaurateur Noe Landini, opened in early 2025.
• Public Art at Waterfront Park: Break Water by D.C. artist Nekisha Durrett from late March to November 2025
• PNC Parkway Classic rebrands to PNC Alexandria Half, planned on April 27
• The 200 block of King Street pedestrian-only block pilot program runs from March 14 to Sept. 30
• Archer Hotel Old Town Alexandria rebranded from former Lorien Hotel & Spa, will soon introduce restaurant named HomeGrown, hotel bar AKB is open
• In other hotel news, Francis Hall is open at Hotel Heron, and a.lounge+bar is open at Hotel AKA Alexandria
• Founding Farmers Alexandria opened on March 12 at the Oakville development. Dok Khao Thai Eatery is a future opening at the development.
• Coffee shops coming soon to Alexandria are Mudhouse Coffee, Sharbat Bakery and Café, Café du Soleil's second location in Old Town and Baku Delicious in Parker-Gray. Cafes open now are Hypergoat Cafe and Ben’YaYs in Old Town and Paris Baguette in the West End.
• Breweries have added new dining options as well, with La Tingeria becoming the first permanent food vendor at Port City Brewing Company in the West End. Andy’s Pizza joined the new Atlas Brew Works in the Eisenhower Avenue corridor, while Del Ray's Gustave Boulangerie has treated patrons to its Le Jardin Beer Garden.
• In other dining news, Pizzeria Paradiso's pop up at Hank's Oyster Bar starts on March 13. Other future openings are Pupatella (still under construction), LaPluma Coffee & Wine, Eclairons, Greenheart Juice in Old Town, Yami Buffet in the West End, Salad Topia in Del Ray and Honeymoon Chicken in Carlyle Crossing.
• The Parlour and Madame Coco’s Chocolates, which was affected by a fire along with two other women-owned businesses, is open. Other recent Old Town restaurant openings are Mystic Bar & Grill, Frankie’s Kitchen and Cocktail Bar, Valletta Port, Thanida Thai Restaurant and Bar and Lil’ Cakes and Creamery. Shorty’s Deluxe in Del Ray, Como En Casa in Arlandria-Chirilagua, and The Big Greek Cafe and Omar’s Pita & Platters in Potomac Yard are also open.
• Del Ray has made waves with the opening of the ERAS: Taylor Swift Cocktail Pop-Up Bar through June.
• In retail news, Del Ray Farmhouse Market & Garden is preparing to open in the former Bellies & Babies location.
• Friends to Lovers, another business affected by November's fire, moved to a temporary location above Wine Gallery 108 but will open in its new location on April 2.
• Bespoke shoemaker Old House Provisions, Old Town Books Junior and Eries Interiors are also new retail additions to Old Town.
• Other openings include The Dugout indoor training facility and the future nostalgia-inspired Continues Arcade and Sky Zone trampoline park.
• Visit Alexandria is also looking ahead to plan for visitor opportunities with the D.C.-based WorldPride2025 from May 17 to June 8 and Virginia 250th celebration.