Find out where DC has been in the news this month and what's new with the marketing team.
Destination DC's (DDC) marketing and communications strategy supports economic development through tourism by reaching potential visitors and inspiring them to travel to the nation’s capital. The current cross-channel promotional efforts are focused on fall travel across editorial and content development.
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Media Coverage
Domestic
National Geographic names DC one of 10 family friendly U.S. vacation destinations and Condé Nast declares DC one of the best cities to visit this May. NBC News publishes a feature about the Go-Go Museum and Café, while AAA Magazine mentions more than 25 members in its budget-friendly guide to DC. USA Today puts The People’s House on its list of the best new museums and The Points Guy lists the Wharf among the best places to celebrate Mardi Gras. HGTV lists WorldPride as a 2025 travel trend, Out publishes a guide to its major events and DC News Now is among the outlets to highlight plans at the 90-day mark.
International
The UK’s Daily Mail features WorldPride celebrations and Travel Mole UK produces its Ultimate Guide to WorldPride. 20 minutes (FR) showcases the National Mall in the snow and Germany’s Vusa.travel highlights the Folger Shakespeare Library. Hand Luggage Only (UK) lists the 14 best places to go in the city. China Daily spotlights the Go-Go Museum and Café’s opening, which is syndicated 22 times. India’s Travel Trade Journal announces events for America’s 250th. Vive USA (Mexico) outlines more than 100 free activities to do in the city.
Trade
Elliott was interviewed about DEI and featured in Prevue magazine. He was also quoted in Convention South's feature article on selecting event destinations that offer family fun. DDC's second annual Ambassador Circle Awards received attention in Conference and Meetings World and awardees were spotlighted in the American Veterinary Medical Association and the International Society on Thrombosis and Haemostasis newsletters. New and renovated hotels were featured in several outlets, including Meetings Today, BizBash and Hotels Magazine.
Marketing Highlights
Innovative Advertising
As part of its spring/summer advertising push, DDC sponsored two digital pieces: one with GQ and one with Travel + Leisure. The former features an in-depth interview with Washington Nationals star CJ Abrams as the shortstop details his DC recommendations. The Travel + Leisure piece beautifully showcases the breadth of the District's arts and culture offerings, including museums, music venues, theaters, neighborhoods, special events and more.
Washington.org content update
With summer advertising set to launch on April 1, the content team has prepared a plethora of seasonal content meant to inspire potential visitors. Of course, major events like Passport DC and WorldPride 2025 are a focus, but washington.org also highlights DC's new Go-Go Museum & Cafe as well as local record shops and businesses. Users can also read up on free things to do, can't-miss seasonal events and much more.
Social Highlights
Leisure Social
We embraced February in DC with a flurry of seasonal content, from snow-dusted cityscapes to winter farmers markets. Potomac Phil’s prediction for 6 more weeks of winter had us sharing ideas for indoor group gaming hangouts. Our Black History Month roundup highlighted must-visit landmarks, and we highlighted Ben’s Chili Bowl and the Green Book Exhibit at the MLK Library. Influencer partners spotlighted a Black history and culture day in DC, Black-owned businesses to support year-round and 5 Black-owned restaurants you need to try.
Love was in the air this month with DC-themed Valentine’s Day cards, free date night ideas and ways to celebrate Valentine’s Day. Taylor and Garrett from DC’s ‘Love is Blind’ season spent a romantic weekend in the city. We honored Lincoln’s Birthday, Presidents Day and George Washington’s Birthday, and as thoughts turned to spring, we shared floral bloom calendars and the National Parks Service’s highly anticipated cherry blossom peak bloom prediction.
Industry Social
Industry channels shared insights from and recapped events including Global Marketplace, Member Open House and Member Volleyball Tournament. We observed and celebrated Black History Month, Destination Professionals Day and the National Parks Service’s highly-anticipated cherry blossom peak bloom announcement. Member Spotlights included Kraken, The Catholic University Events & Conferences, 11: Eleven Gallery and Unscripted Tours.
