Find out what's happening in the Washington, DC tourism and hospitality industry.
In April, DDC welcomed three new team members. Yousef Auer joined convention sales & services as analyst & reporting manager. Partnerships & alliances brought on Will Pomeroy as P & A assistant, and the executive office is thrilled to have Gerald Pilaud in the role of executive office assistant.
Don't forget to inform your teams about Destination DC's free training resources to enhance their knowledge of the city.
Member Highlights
Discounted Tickets for Spring & Summer Sports
DDC is happy to share that members can purchase discounted tickets for two spring sports favorites. Use code VISITDC for 15% off Washington Nationals (MLB) tickets and 10% off of D.C. United (MLS) tickets, plus a link for 35% off DC Defenders (UFL) games, as well.
DC/DOX Film Festival Discount Code
DC/DOX returns June 11-14 with an ambitious slate of 100 films – features and shorts from around the globe – showcasing the very best in documentary storytelling today. Use code DDCDOX for 10% off individual tickets/passes and 20% off group passes (10+).
TikTok and Bmore Studio help hotels and attractions generate awareness, content and trackable bookings via free creator partnerships and coordinated campaigns. Email TTGO@Bmore.Studio for more information.
YOTEL Washington DC has become the first hotel in the U.S. to earn an Autism Friendly designation from Autism Speaks, highlighting its commitment to accessibility and inclusive guest experiences. The hotel’s specialized staff training and sensory-friendly design features helped secure this recognition, positioning itself as a leader in accessible hospitality.
Congratulations to the 2026 NEXTDC Scholarship Winners
This year, NEXTDC (formerly the American Experience Foundation) awards $35,000 to 21 deserving winners. These scholarships support students in Washington, DC’s Career and Technical Education Academies of Hospitality & Tourism, Culinary Arts, Mass Media and Sports Marketing, as well as Academy alumni currently pursuing higher education.
NEXTDC has awarded over $250,000 since 2015. Make a contribution to the next generation of hospitality leaders.
Ritz Pentagon City’s Sustainability in Action Initiative
In celebration of Earth Month and National Volunteer Week, The Ritz-Carlton, Pentagon City is proud to highlight their ongoing commitment to sustainability. The team recently volunteered alongside Community Residences Inc., providing mulch and assisting with the enhancement of a local resident’s outdoor space.
Ama Restaurant and Bar was recently recognized for its achievements in providing “good, clean and fair” food in the 2026 Snail of Approval Awards by Slow Food DC. Congratulations!
2026 James Beard Restaurant and Chef Award nominees
Congratulations also to the nominees, and the Impact, Lifetime Achievement and Humanitarian of the Year Award honorees.
View this year’s RAMMY Finalists presented by the Restaurant Association Metropolitan Washington. Congrats to our nominated member businesses:
- Dōgon by Kwame Onwuachi
- Tsehay Ethiopian
- Marcus DC
- Amazonia
- Wunder Garten
- Imperfecto
- Joe's Seafood, Prime Steak & Stone Crab
- Old Ebbitt Grill
- Rubén García, Casa Teresa
- Guy-René Gerin, L'Ardente
- Anthony Jones, Marcus DC
- Martel Stone, Dōgon by Kwame Onwuachi
- Rosie Nguyen, Rose Ave Bakery
- Rachel Sherriffe, Marcus DC
- Debby Portillo, 2Fifty Texas BBQ
- Estela Catarino, Ama
- David Deshaies and Eric Eden, Garden Hospitality
- Fernando González, 2Fifty Texas BBQ
- Enrique Limardo and Ezequiel Vázquez-Ger, Seven Reasons Group
- dLeña
- Silver Lyan
New DDC Members
Accommodations
The Ritz-Carlton Georgetown, Washington, D.C.
From exclusive board meetings to monumental celebrations, we curate luxury meetings and events for intimate groups to large events up to 120 guests.
Convention Services
Swann House Historic Dupont Circle Inn
Private estate-style venue in Dupont Circle for executive meetings, retreats, weddings and buyouts, with ten luxury guest rooms and curated service.
Restaurants
A culinary experience interweaving modern concepts with the rich flavors, spices and techniques from the diverse cultures along the ancient Silk Road.
We invite you to explore a new world atop the DC skyline – rooted in the rich heritage of Africa’s Indian Ocean islands.
Offers vibrant tacos, coastal eats and breezy beach bar vibes. Perfect for quick bites, casual hangs and family-friendly dining.
See & Do
Contemporary art gallery in Downtown DC offering a refined, design-led setting for private events, brand activations and corporate gatherings.
QR-guided tour honoring trailblazing African-American sheriffs and their role in advancing justice and public safety.
The DC Big Flea Boutique Antique Event comes to Dock 5 at Union Market. Not just in NoVa anymore.
Open-air venue near Nationals Park ideal for meetings, mixers and team events with flexible space, food and drinks.
This little car can go where the tour buses can’t.
Transportation
Executive group ground transportation for DC meetings and events. Mercedes Sprinter vans and mini-coaches for 8-24 passengers. IAD/DCA/BWI airport transfers available.
NEXTDC
Check out the What's Next newsletter to learn the latest happenings at NEXTDC (formerly the American Experience Foundation).
Careers
DDC Careers
Check out DDC's job openings and share with your networks and colleagues.
Destination DC's Job Board
Are you currently hiring? Interested in discovering who else is hiring within the industry? Increase your visibility by featuring your job openings on DDC’s Job Board. Submit the following details to jobboard@washington.org:
- Company name
- Job title
- Job description
- Link to job posting
Connect with top candidates and grow your team. Submit your listing today!
Positions will be posted for 30 days. If you have any questions, please contact membership@washington.org. Additionally, visit the Restaurant Association of Metropolitan Washington's foodjobsdc.com for more hospitality jobs.
Check out the full Destination DC Member News to learn more about what's going on this month.
