DC’s Travel Industry Rallies to Show Impact of Tourism Jobs
May 8, 2012
Hospitality Supported 76,000 Jobs in the District, Visitor Spending Estimated to be $6 Billion in 2011

U.S. SECRETARY OF COMMERCE APPOINTS DESTINATION DC PRESIDENT AND CEO TO UNITED STATES TRAVEL AND TOURISM ADVISORY BOARD
Jan. 19, 2012
Destination DC confirms the appointment of President & CEO Elliott Ferguson by Commerce Secretary John Bryson to a two-year appointment on the U.S. Travel and Tourism Advisory Board (TTAB).  Ferguson is one of 32 executives from the travel and tourism sector tapped to offer counsel on current and emerging travel issues.

Miles Media to create Digital Marketing Solutions for Destination DC
January 2012
Miles Media, a destination and hospitality marketing business, has been selected by Destination DC to lead the organization’s efforts to redesign Washington.org. 


October Conventions Expected to Create $88 Million Impact on Washington, DC
September 2011
More than 75,000 Convention Attendees to Visit the Nation’s Capital this Month


Destination DC and NAGAAA Cheer Selection of Washington, DC As Host City for 2013 Gay Softball World Series
September 2011
Destination DC and NAGAAA Cheer Selection of Washington, DC As Host City for 2013 Gay Softball World Series Nation’s capital to welcome world’s largest annual predominantly gay sporting event

DC Welcomes 30,000 for The Summer Fancy Food Show, July 10-12
July 2011
Convention coincides with “DC Eats” summer marketing campaign from DestinationDC


Washington, DC’s Travel and Tourism Industry Reports Significant Gains in 2010
May 2011
2010 was an exceptionally strong year for travel and tourism in Washington, DC. The city’s hospitality industry posted a 5.1% increase in domestic visitation and an 8.2% increase in visitor spending in 2010, according to a study released today by Destination DC, the city’s official tourism and marketing office, during the annual Washington, DC Travel Rally, an event held in conjunction with National Travel and Tourism Week.

Power Cities Alliance: Washington, DC and Brussels, Belgium
April 6, 2011
Long recognized as powerhouse destinations for world leaders and leading industry organizations such as the IMF and NATO, Destination DC and Visit Brussels have formed an organizational Alliance to promote Washington, DC and Brussels, Belgium as top meeting and convention destinations in the world.

City Officials Break Ground on Washington Marriott Marquis
November 10, 2010
Mayor Adrian M. Fenty and the Washington Convention and Sports Authority (WCSA) broke ground on the much-anticipated Washington Marriott Marquis at Ninth Street and Massachusetts Avenue, directly adjacent to the Walter E. Washington Convention Center.  The hotel is scheduled to open in spring 2014.

Destination DC Names Melissa Riley Director of Sales
September 8, 2010
Destination DC announced today that Senior National Convention Sales Manager Melissa Riley has been promoted to serve as the organization’s Director of Convention Sales.

Destination DC Forecasts Economic Improvements in 2011 for DC's $5 Billion Tourism Industry - August 5, 2010
More than 500 business leaders joined Destination DC today at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center to discuss the forecast for one of the District’s largest economic generators – the travel and tourism industry.

Destination DC Selects Ronnie Burt to Lead Convention Sales & Services Efforts - July 28, 2010
Destination DC announced today that CVB veteran Ronnie Burt will join the organization as its new vice president of convention sales and services.

Destination DC Welcomes Broadways' Hit Musical 'Mary Poppins' with Hotel Packages and Marketing Partnership with Disney Theatrical Productions - July 1, 2010
Destination DC and Disney Theatrical Productions are teaming up to create a little magic of their own this summer as Broadway’s hit musical “Mary Poppins” kicks off its premiere engagement at the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts.

Destination DC Goes Outdoor, Online, In-Theater and in Print with Summer Marketing Campaign- July 1, 2010
After a strong spring tourism season showing solid growth in hotel occupancy and average rates and attractions attendance in Washington, DC, the city’s official tourism office has launched a $1.5 million multi-platform marketing campaign designed to promote travel to the city during the critical summer months when Congress recesses and business travel drops.

Washington, DC Tourism Shows Signs of Recovery after Declines in 2009- May 11, 2010
Although Washington, DC posted a 3 percent decrease in domestic visitation and a 7 percent decrease in visitor spending in 2009, the city’s hospitality industry is showing signs of recovery this spring.

DC Secures 2012 Fancy Food Show-  April 14, 2010
National Association for the Specialty Food Trade Books Back-to-Back Meetings in DC. 

Destination DC Applauds Enactment of Bipartisan Travel Promotion Act- March 4, 2010
Destination DC welcomed news from the White House that President Obama today signed legislation to create economic growth and thousands of new jobs by welcoming millions more international travelers to the United States.

DC's A Powerful Place to Just "I Do" It- March 3, 2010
As same-sex couples begin to apply for marriage licenses in the District this week, Destination DC is showing  ALL couples that it’s easy it is to plan weddings in the nation’s capital when you call on the city’s official tourism office for assistance.

Destination DC Courts Couples & Singles with "Date Nights DC: A 28-Day Stimulus Plan for Love & Relationships"- Jan. 14, 2010
Dr. Ruth joined DC officials to announce the city's newest tourism promotion, designed to spark new romances and rekindle relationships in the nation's capital.

DC Lands 2010 Microsoft Worldwide Partner Conference- Dec. 8, 2009
DC tourism officials brought a significant boost to the city’s 2010 convention calendar by securing the Microsoft Worldwide Partner Conference 2010. This prestigious summer convention is expected to attract more than 10,000 Microsoft partners and employees from July 12-15, 2010.

DC Secures XIX International AIDS Conference- Dec. 1, 2009
The International AIDS Society announced DC’s selection as the location of AIDS 2012, the premier biennial global gathering for those working in the field of HIV research, policymakers and activists. The conference will take place July 22-27, 2012.

Washington, DC’s Travel and Tourism Industry Reports Modest Gains in 2008- July 23, 2009
Washington, DC posted a 3% increase in visitation and a modest increase in visitor spending in 2008. Despite the global economic downturn, international visitation rose 22%, driving visitor spending past $5.6 billion and generating $618 million in tax revenue for the District.

Elliott Ferguson Named President of Destination DC- July 8, 2009
Ferguson, who has been the Senior Vice President of Convention Sales and Services for Destination DC, was named President & CEO after a national search process conducted by the executive committee of the organization.

Destination DC Announces New Slate of Officers- June 3, 2009
Washington, DC hospitality industry veteran Sheila Stampfli assumed the role of chairwoman of Destination DC, the city’s official convention and tourism corporation, at the organization’s May 28 board meeting.

Destination DC Teams Up with Bon Appétit and Epitourean.com to Create Ultimate Foodie Weekend in Washington, DC- May 20, 2009
This fall, food and wine lovers will discover why DC’s dining scene has captured the attention of world-famous chefs, restaurant critics and even the new First Family during an exclusive weekend experience.

Cookie and Gourmet Launch First-Ever Kids' Restaurant Week in DC- May 20, 2009
Two Condé Nast publications jointly announced that they will unveil the first-ever Kids’ Restaurant Week in Washington, DC June 13-21 to celebrate the joys of eating out as a family. Destination DC sponsors this inaugural Kids’ Restaurant Week.

DC Targets Meetings and Convention Clients With Obama-Inspired Incentives - May 15, 2009
To capitalize on the buzz and interest in Washington, DC that’s been building since Barack Obama took the oath of office, Destination DC, the official convention and tourism corporation for the nation’s capital, and the Walter E. Washington Convention Center have teamed up to court qualifying citywide meetings with a value-packed offer inspired by the 44th President of the United States.

Medical Conferences and Conventions Exempt from DC SafeRx Licensing Requirements - May 15, 2009
After lobbying efforts by the Washington, DC Hospitality Alliance, the District of Columbia Department of Health announced that pharmaceutical industry employees who travel to DC do not need to be licensed in the District to staff booths or speak at medical conferences and conventions.

Destination DC Targets Travelers with Powerful Summer Marketing Campaign - May 5, 2009
With the summer travel season right around the corner, Destination DC has launched a multi-platform marketing campaign designed to target key audiences, including regional travelers, urban explorers and families.

DC's Starring Role in "Night at the Museum: Battle of the Smithsonian" Inspires Summer Travel Promotion - May 5, 2009
To leverage the city’s starring role in the film, Destination DC is launching a promotion highlighting locations featured in the movie, themed hotel packages and special evening programs.

Destination DC Generated $3.7 Million in Tax Dollars for the District in 2008 with Powerful Marketing Campaign - April 17, 2009
Washington, DC’s $1.3 million “POWER” marketing campaign generated an additional $53.4 million in visitor spending and $3.7 million in tax revenues for the District, according to an independent study.

William A. Hanbury, President & CEO of Destination DC Tapped to Lead United Way of the National Capital Area - April 3, 2009
William A. Hanbury announced he will be departing as President & CEO of Destination DC, the city’s destination marketing organization, to become President & CEO of the United Way of the National Capital Area effective July 1.

Post-Inaugural Fun Facts: Hotels, Chili & More - Feb. 9, 2009
A roundup of facts and figures surrounding the historic inauguration of Barack Obama.

DC Gears Up for Inauguration - Nov. 3, 2008
The presidential inauguration means big business for Washington, DC's $5.4 billion hospitality industry.

Washington, DC Convention Outlook: September-October 2008 - Sept. 12, 2008
As the summer heat cools, DC’s fall convention calendar is warming up.  In the next two weeks, DC will play host to two major gatherings attracting more than 23,000 African-American leaders and professionals, leading off a fall convention calendar that also includes major medical, military and international events.

Destination DC Courts Mid-Size Meetings with Connecticut Avenue Collection - Sept.12, 2008
In a bid to capture more mid-size meeting and convention business, Destination DC has partnered with the Hilton Washington, Marriott Wardman Park Hotel and the Omni Shoreham Hotel to promote the Connecticut Avenue Collection, an all-inclusive meeting package that combines the guest rooms, meeting and exhibit space of three hotels in one convenient neighborhood.

Hospitality Businesses Step Up to Support Destination DC - July 17, 2008
In order to attract additional financial resources to build and strengthen DC’s $5.2 billion hospitality industry, Destination DC has launched a Signature Partner program designed to develop marketing alliances with local businesses, media and key players in the worldwide hospitality industry.

Destination DC Announces New Board of Directors - June 26, 2008
Today Grand Hyatt Washington General Manager Daniel J. Amato stepped in to the role of chairman of Destination DC, the city’s official convention and tourism corporation. As a member of Destination DC’s board of directors and executive committee since 2004, Amato has long supported the organization’s efforts in its role as an economic development engine for the city.

DC’s Summer Convention Calendar Sizzles with Anniversaries and Events - June 25, 2008
DC’s summer meetings calendar is hopping with landmark gatherings, media meetings and corporate events, including major conventions that will take place during the Independence Day and Labor Day holidays.

Washington, DC Meetings, Conventions & Events Outlook: May 2008 - May 1, 2008
DC’s travel and tourism sector is entering one of the busiest months of the year, packed with meetings, trade shows, graduations and other special events.

DC Welcomes 19,000 Psychiatrists for Annual Meeting - May 1, 2008
Grab a seat on the couch; the doctors are in. The American Psychiatric Association (APA)’s Annual Meeting comes to Washington, DC next week, May 3-8, bringing 19,000 psychiatrists, social workers and mental health professionals from around the globe to the nation’s capital.

Fancy Food Show Chooses DC for 2011 - April 4, 2008
Washington, DC landed one of the food industry’s most prestigious trade shows for 2011, Destination DC officials announced today. The Walter E. Washington Convention Center will welcome thousands of chefs, retailers, restaurateurs and foodies for the National Association for the Specialty Food Trade (NASFT)’s Summer Fancy Food Show, July 10-12, 2011.

Mayor Fenty and DC Tourism Officials Launch A New Way to See DC - April 2, 2008
Mayor Adrian M. Fenty joined officials from Destination DC, the official convention and tourism corporation for Washington, DC, to launch a new brand strategy designed to promote the city and bolster its largest private sector industry, travel and tourism...

Destination DC Calls on Residents to Build City’s First Comprehensive Brand Strategy and New Integrated Marketing Campaign - April 2, 2008
DC residents and businesses played key roles in developing the city’s first comprehensive brand strategy and the new $2 million integrated marketing campaign unveiled today by Mayor Adrian M. Fenty and officials from Destination DC...

Washington, DC’s Official Tourism Organization to Capitalize on New Name - March 24, 2008
The Washington, DC Convention & Tourism Corporation announced today that it is changing its name to a shorter and snappier phrase: Destination DC.

Washington, DC Meetings & Conventions Outlook: March 2008 - February 26, 2008
More than 52,000 delegates will gather in the District of Columbia in March for nearly 35 meetings, conventions and other major events. Attendees, including health and medical professionals, engineers, environmentalists, financial and education experts, theologians, attorneys, governments, and business gurus, represent an estimated 70,000 hotel room nights...

WCTC Reports Record-Breaking Year for DC's $5.2 Billion Travel & Tourism Sector - October 29, 2007
The Washington, DC Convention & Tourism Corporation (WCTC), the official destination marketing organization for the District of Columbia, posted the strongest performance figures in its history as it closed the fiscal year September 30, 2007...