How will the giant pandas reenergize the DC economy?

WASHINGTON ( DC News Now ) — Within hours of three-year-old Bao Li and Qing Bao’s arrival at the National Zoo, businesses have begun planning on how to cash in on the panda-monium of D.C.’s newest – and fluffiest – neighbors.

The excitement surrounding the giant pandas’ return is palpable, both in person and online. The zoo may be free, but businesses are banking on people to open their wallets and have a positive impact on the local economy.

The pandas will bring in large crowds, but their absence for nearly a year has been noticeable.

“The visitations to the zoo for the first five months of this year were down by 23%,” said Larry Yu, professor of tourism and hospitality management at The George Washington University.

That drop in visitors impacted businesses across D.C. Yu said that will change in a few months.

“We’re talking about this value chain effect, not only just local restaurants, bars and souvenir shops but also lodging,” he said.

For example, Yu noted that he expects online sales of panda products to increase.

Even Metro was quick to get in on the panda-packed action, reminding its riders on X that they sell panda merch.

Visitors, especially families, will flock to the nation’s capital in the coming months, meaning more visitors not only for the zoo itself but for businesses throughout the District.

“Typically large parties, kids asking their parents to take them to the zoo to see the pandas,” Yu explained.

It’s going to be three months before they’re on display, but panda fans are already excited.

“It’s going to be a lot of fun to have them, whenever we’re able to see them,” said Rachel Lang.

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