Destination DC Continues its ‘DC is Open’ Campaign During Partial Government Shutdown

(Washington, DC) – Destination DC (DDC), the official tourism organization for Washington, DC, continues its “DC is Open” campaign while the partial government shutdown continues to let visitors know that Washington, DC is open for business and is ready to welcome business and leisure travelers.

“While we’re disappointed the Smithsonian museums and National Zoo, National Gallery of Art and National Archives are now closed, the vast majority of things for visitors to see and do throughout Washington, DC’s neighborhoods remain open,” said Elliott L. Ferguson, II, president and CEO of Destination DC, the official destination marketing organization for the nation’s capital. “It’s a great time to find a deal in the city and explore The Wharf, our Michelin-rated dining scene, watch a hockey or basketball game or see a show.”

Prospective visitors can find real-time updates and shutdown deals on washington.org/dcisopen as well as DDC’s social channels (Instagram, Twitter and Facebook) with #DCisOpen, or speak with a DC travel expert (1-800-422-8644), Monday-Friday, 8:30 a.m. – 5 p.m. (EST).

During the government shutdown, open air parks and memorials on the National Mall remain accessible. Travelers can also experience new inventory like the year-old Wharf destination, Museum of the Bible and National Law Enforcement Museum. Watch a professional hockey or basketball game at Capital One Arena or check out an event at the new Entertainment and Sports Arena.

See exhibits including Rodarte at the National Museum of Women in the Arts, Nordic Impressions at Phillips Collection (through Jan. 13, 2019) and Pictures of the Year: 75 Years of the World’s Best Photography at the Newseum (through Jan. 20, 2019). Catch a free show at the Kennedy Center’s Millennium stage daily at 6pm or see New Nature by Marpi at ARTECHOUSE (through Jan. 13). Enjoy more than 80 absorbing attractions and tours and including Bike & Roll, Anderson House and Tudor Place.

DDC debuted the “DC is Open” campaign when the U.S. government shut down for 16 days in October 2013 to explain 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.

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.