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Destination DC Expands International Sales Strategies

Organization focuses on IAPCO, China and new market segments for opportunities

(Washington, DC) – Destination DC (DDC) is expanding its strategies to capitalize on opportunities to win international business in cooperation with Events DC. Washington, DC will host the International Association of Professional Congress Organizers (IAPCO) Council Meeting, Oct. 13-16, 2016, expand its efforts targeting the Chinese MICE market and position DC to attract new market segments.

“With 21 major citywide events and conventions in 2017, bringing an estimated impact of $357 million and 45,565 total room nights, we’re poised to have one of the strongest years for business in recent history,” said Elliott Ferguson, president and CEO of DDC. “However, as we constantly look at new ways to attract business to the nation’s capital, we see major opportunities for growth in international business.”

As the host city of the IAPCO Council, DDC will showcase the destination to 12 industry leaders who place international business and influence future international congresses of all sizes. These key decision makers will experience restaurants and cultural attractions in the nation’s capital, and also meet with stakeholders and local associations to provide insight on working globally.

“Washington, DC is an ideal U.S. destination for international meetings because it appeals to a wide audience, is easy to access and is constantly innovating,” said Mathias Posch, vice president, IAPCO. “Destination DC provides fantastic support to PCOs and associations.”

DDC is also focusing on opportunities to attract the Chinese MICE market. China is Washington, DC’s top overseas market with 300,000 Chinese visitors in 2015, up 36% over 2014. According to IHS Global, the city is forecasted to receive more than 500,000 Chinese visitors by 2020.

“Coming off a successful trip to China this summer, we look forward to continuing to build relationships with Chinese buyers at IMEX America and will explore future inbound FAMs with the DC Center China, aligning with the District government’s strategic initiatives,” said Melissa Riley, vice president, convention sales and services, DDC.

DDC is also focusing on positioning the city as a knowledge hub for two markets with untapped potential for the city: technology and biotechnology/pharmaceutical, as well as two established markets: education and medical. The organization is publishing four white papers that will establish the advantages and benefits for organizations within these sectors to meet in DC. DDC will work closely with its Ambassador Circle members that help champion international bids to roll out these efforts to the international market.  

In 2015, a record 21.3 million total visitors came to Washington, DC, up 5% over 2014 – comprised of 19.3 million domestic and 2 million overseas visitors, the later up 7.8% over 2014. Though 9% of the total number of visitors to DC, international visitors [overseas visitors plus visitors from Canada and Mexico] represent 27% of the visitor spending.

Washington, DC’s landscape is booming with $9.6 billion in development underway, including the Wharf, a 24 acre $2 billion project along the Southwest Waterfront opening Oct. 12, 2017, and nearly 3,800 hotel rooms in the pipeline. The city’s dining scene is gaining international attention, and on Oct. 13, 2016 will become the 4th North American destination to receive a Michelin Guide to its restaurants. Washington, DC was also recently named “Restaurant City of the Year” by Bon Appétit. Smithsonian Institution’s highly anticipated National Museum of African American History and Culture opened Sept. 24, 2016. The National Gallery of Art’s East Building re-opened Sept. 30, 2016 after a three-year renovation. The city is also gearing up for inauguration Jan. 20, 2017, and washington.org/inauguration is a complete resource for hotel packages and special events.

About Destination DC: Destination DC, the official destination marketing organization for the nation’s capital, is a private, non-profit membership organization of 900 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.

Contact
Danielle Davis, Director of Communications
202-789-7046; 202-603-2093; [email protected]

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October 12, 2016


Media Contacts

Danielle Davis
Vice President of Communications
Susan O'Keefe
Senior Marketing & Communications Manager, Trade
Nicole Nussbaum
Global Media Manager
Goldy Fogel
Global Media Manager
Kyle Deckelbaum
Domestic Media Relations Manager
Claire Deegan
Communications Coordinator
(202) 789-7059