Read the latest updates from Destination DC's tourism team
The Washington, DC Welcome
Destination DC (DDC) launched the official destination training course designed for the DC area hospitality community last October. The Washington, DC Welcome provides a 10-minute video highlighting the top information you need to know about the city and offering suggestions to amplify the #Only1DC experience. Congratulations to the staff at Travelers Aid who completed the course in February. You can check out the video and resources for you and your colleagues on the Washington, DC Welcome landing page.
Exclusive DC Strategic Workshop (April 1)
Attendees: Theresa Belpulsi, Lindsay Hill, Patricia Najar
The team hosted a strategy session with members from the luxury sector to discuss FY24 activities and shape future initiatives for the Exclusive Washington, DC product. The workshop focused on traveler engagement, product development, travel trade outreach and collaborative opportunities to elevate DC’s appeal to high-end leisure and incentive travelers.
Brand USA Mega FAM (March 31 - April 3, Washington, DC)
Attendees: Letizia Sirtori, Erika Jones, Frances Golla, Patricia Najar
In collaboration with Brand USA, we hosted 11 clients from Mexico, Brazil, Colombia and Argentina. This familiarization trip showcased key attractions in DC, Maryland and Virginia, highlighting the region’s rich cultural and historical offerings.
Sports Events & Tourism Association Women’s Summit (April 2-4, Tampa, FL)
Attendees: Holly Rattanakone
Sports ETA is the essential resource for sports commissions, sports destinations, sports event owners and industry partners. Developed by women leaders in the sports events & tourism industry, the Summit included educational sessions, panels and networking opportunities.
India Receptive Operators Trip (April 14-15, Atlanta, GA)
Attendees: Letizia Sirtori, Bianca Corallo
In-office training and meetings with top receptive operators for the India market to update them on DC.
Sports Events & Tourism Association Symposium (April 14-17, Tulsa, OK)
Attendees: Nick Price, Holly Rattanakone
Sports ETA returns for its annual symposium in Tulsa, OK. Throughout the week, sports destinations meet with hundreds of decision-makers responsible for organizing sporting events.
Guangzhou Tourism Bureau Delegation Visit (April 21, Washington, DC)
Attendees: Theresa Belpulsi, Darren Gan, Jette Davidson
DDC staff will meet with a delegation of four senior officials from the Guangzhou Tourism Bureau to explore opportunities for tourism promotion between Washington, DC and Guangzhou. As the third-largest city in mainland China, Guangzhou is a key source market for DC.
WorldPride Business Trainings (April 14-23, Washington, DC)
Attendees: Lindsay Hill, Georgia Lucas
Organizations will provide online and in-person training opportunities for businesses ahead of WorldPride 2025. A collection of all trainings can be viewed on the Equality Chamber of Commerce’s page and cover a range of topics. The Mayor’s Office of LGBTQ Affairs will host an in-person training day on April 23.
DC Loves Buses Day (April 23, Washington, DC)
Attendees: Lindsay Hill, Georgia Lucas
DDC will host the annual DC Loves Buses Day – a day of appreciation for the bus drivers that bring the important group tour market to DC. DDC partners with NPS-National Mall & Memorial Parks, DDOT, American Bus Association, and Union Station Parking Garage along with United Motorcoach Association, International Motorcoach Group, National Tour Association, Student & Youth Travel Association and local members to provide gift bags and free lunches to drivers. Carmine’s donated the (250) lunches.
Brand USA Canada Connect East (April 28 - March 2, Toronto/Montreal, Canada)
Attendees: Bianca Corallo
Joining Brand USA on a sales mission to eastern Canada focused on B2B meetings, networking sessions and panel discussions provided the opportunity for direct engagement with the Canadian travel trade.
March Visitor Experience Stats
Publications distributed: 105,698
Online requests: 8,092
Calls: 572
Live Chats: 41
Top visitor questions last month:
- Where can I park near the Tidal Basin?
- Will the blossoms still be blooming in April?
- Where can we see cherry blossom trees without crowds?
Check out the full Destination DC Member News to learn more about what's going on this month.
