Destination DC Returns to ‘DC is Open’ Campaign

(Washington, DC) – Destination DC (DDC), the official tourism organization for Washington, DC, returns to its “DC is Open” campaign to let visitors know despite the federal government shutdown that Washington, DC is open for business and welcomes business and leisure travelers.

“Tourism is a major economic driver for Washington, DC, with more than 22 million visitors in 2016 who spent $7.3 billion,” said Elliott L. Ferguson, II, president and CEO, Destination DC. “While certain federal museums and attractions are unfortunately impacted during a shutdown, the good news is there is a lot for visitors to explore. For example, open air parks and memorials on the National Mall remain accessible, along with great restaurants, theater, arts and culture, sports and nightlife throughout DC’s neighborhoods.”

During the government shutdown, visitors can explore the new free Museum of the Bible and recently opened Wharf, watch a professional hockey or basketball game at Capital One Arena or take advantage of DC’s acclaimed restaurants during Restaurant Week (Jan. 22-28). Visitors can enjoy more than 80 absorbing attractions and tours including International Spy Museum, Tudor Place, Bike & Roll and the just-opened 1968: Civil Rights at 50 at the Newseum. Catch a Broadway favorite at the Kennedy Center or dive into the Women’s Voices Theater Festival (through Feb. 15) that celebrates new work by female playwrights at more than 25 regional theaters including Sovereignty at Arena Stage and The Wolves at Studio Theatre. For a full list of things to do, visit washington.org/dcisopen.

DDC debuted the DC is Open campaign when the U.S. government shut down for 16 days in October 2013 to let visitors know the breadth of attractions that are not impacted during a federal government shutdown. Metro and public transportation will operate as normal and DC government services will continue including sanitation, schools, parks and ancillary services. During the shutdown, DDC unites its 1,000 members of the hospitality and tourism community in welcoming visitors to Washington, DC by using #DCisOpen on social media channels. Member deals are also posted on washington.org.

About Destination DC: Destination DC, the official destination marketing organization for the nation’s capital, is a private, non-profit membership organization of 1,000 businesses committed to marketing the area as a premier global convention, tourism and special events destination with a special emphasis on the arts, cultural and historic communities. washington.org.

Contacts
Danielle Davis, director of communications
202-789-7046; 202-603-2093 (c); [email protected]

Kate Gibbs, senior manager, domestic media relations

202-789-7072; 202-297-2431 (c); [email protected]

Vanessa Casas, international media relations manager

202-789-7053; 702-578-0255 (c); [email protected]

Rebecca Doser, media relations manager, trade

202-789-7079; 585-750-4937 (c); [email protected]

Denise Osei, communications specialist

202-789-7097; 301-640-1576 (c); [email protected]

###