Fierce Competition for Accommodations Despite Off-Season for Tourism
Rising Expectations in Commercial Districts... "A Lively Inauguration"
As the inauguration of Donald Trump, the President-elect of the United States, approaches on the 20th (local time), crowds are flocking to Washington DC, causing accommodation costs nearby to soar. It is reported that expensive places exceed 2 million won per night.
On the 17th, the British Guardian reported that as of the 15th, five days before Trump's inauguration, 70% of hotels in downtown Washington DC were already sold out.
It also reported that the nightly rates range from $900 to $1,500 (1.31 million to 2.18 million won).
Previously, during Trump's first inauguration in January 2017, the hotel occupancy rate in Washington DC reached 94%.
This time as well, with conservatives and Republican supporters flocking, the competition for accommodations appears to be heating up. Despite January being the low season for tourism, it is expected that up to 1 million people will visit for the inauguration.
Expectations in the surrounding commercial districts are also rising. Nina Albert, Deputy Mayor for Planning and Economic Development of Washington, told the local Washington DC news outlet WTOP News, “Up to 1 million people will visit Washington DC, stay in hotels, shop, and dine at restaurants,” adding, “I am glad that a lively inauguration will be held again, unlike four years ago.”
In 2021, due to COVID-19 and the January 6 Capitol riot, security was tightened and the event was scaled down in a subdued atmosphere, but this time a full-scale celebration event is expected to take place.
On the other hand, some progressive residents are reportedly temporarily leaving their homes to avoid the inauguration.
A female resident recalled the January 6, 2021 Capitol riot by Trump supporters with disgust. She said, “I don’t want to be near such hostile and negative energy,” and added, “I will leave for another place.”
The Guardian pointed out that Trump has continuously kept a physical and ideological distance from Washington DC. Washington DC is traditionally a stronghold of the Democratic Party, which leans progressive.
During the election period, Trump attacked Washington DC as “a disgrace to our country, dirty and full of crime.”
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