Now is the time to take stock in the image of Washington, DC - from the inside perspective of its residents to the outside perspective from travelers around the world. The city has experienced multi-million dollar investments in attractions (museums, theatres, restaurants, hotels, etc), emerging, lively neighborhoods and a new, energetic administration focused on building a world-class city.

For a decade, Washington, DC has been in the midst of a ferocious comeback. Its city budget is in the black, its economy is booming and its real estate values have been soaring. Neighborhoods from the Anacostia riverfront to the U St. corridor have become even more trendy and vibrant.

A linchpin of this shift has been its travel and tourism sector, a key generator of jobs and revenue. The travel and tourism sector led the city's renaissance as it recovered from the shock of the 9-11 attacks and other crises. The city has wisely invested in product development. Examples of successful initiatives include the Washington Convention Center, National World War II Memorial and the newly teeming 7th Street arts and cultural district, home to the Verizon Center, the Shakespeare Theatre and the Portrait Gallery. More product development is on the way, including a new baseball stadium and a transplanted Newseum.

Still, Washington, DC's commitment to product development has far outpaced its commitment to marketing. Two of the most popular cities in the country, New York and Orlando, are currently outspending Washington and are preparing to invest millions of more public dollars in destination marketing. New initiatives in DC and an explosion of some 69 new or planned hotels in the region will create a major new inventory of attractions and lodgings-which must be filled by increasing demand.

Washington, DC must protect its valuable investment. The city relies heavily on the $5 billion in direct spending and the $543 million in local tax receipts generated annually by travel and tourism.