Find out where DC has been in the news this month and what's new with the marketing team.
Destination DC's (DDC) marketing and communications strategy supports economic development through tourism by reaching potential visitors and inspiring them to travel to the nation’s capital. The current cross-channel promotional efforts are focused on fall travel across editorial and content development.
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Media Coverage
Domestic
Travel + Leisure ranks DC as one of its 50 best places to travel in 2026. The city was also named to Architectural Digest’s top 19 places to travel, Frommers’ best places to go and AARP’s list of affordable destinations. Following hosted trips, Fine Dining Lovers humanizes DC by profiling immigrant chefs and the Philadelphia Gay News writes about feeling safe, seen and respected in DC. Forbes mentions six members celebrating the new Wicked movie and Elliott is quoted in The New York Times.
International
In November, India’s Travel + Leisure covered Ben’s Chili Bowl, Old Ebbitt Grill and the International Spy Museum, while Belgium and the UK showcased DC’s diverse culinary in Paradisebreak and Seen in the City. Australia featured 30+ members over multiple DC is Open stories in top trade outlets. Japan’s Travel Vision highlighted things to do in DC to celebrate America’s 250th anniversary. Mexico’s Donde Ir featured DC’s architectural landmarks and Brazil’s Viagem News lists ways to celebrate the holiday season.
Trade
Communications-supported features are included in the Washington DC Investment Guide 2025. Meetings held in DC, including the Transportation Research Board's Annual Meeting and FICP's Annual Conference, were spotlighted in Smart Meetings and Conference & Meetings World. Shirley's appointment as Director of Sales received coverage in CMW, PCMA and Travel Daily News.
Marketing Highlights
DDC President and CEO Elliott Ferguson wins one of Washington Business Journal's prestigious CEO of the Year awards: Tourism Champion
This program honors leaders from across the region who have moved their companies, industries and the region in a positive way over the past 12 to 18 months. Winners were celebrated on Dec. 4 at an evening reception at the Four Seasons Hotel and in a special publication in the print and online editions of the Journal on Dec. 5.
DDC, in collaboration with them at this summer's WorldPride Wedding event, won Silver, Best of Category in Community and Culture Impact at this year's Adrian Awards
Now in its 69th year, the Adrian Awards is the largest and most prestigious competition dedicated to travel marketing. The 2025 awards recognize exceptional achievements across advertising, digital marketing, public relations/communications and integrated campaigns. The Awards Celebration, under the auspices of the Hospitality Sales & Marketing Association International (HSMAI), will take place Feb. 18, 2026, at the New York Marriott Marquis.
As 2026 approaches, the marketing & communications team is excited for all things America 250
Our DC250 microsite will share the ways in which DC's story is America's story. We can't wait to welcome domestic and international visitors all year to celebrate this milestone anniversary.
Social Highlights
Leisure
#DCisOpen
- Through the second month of the shutdown, we continued to remind leisure travelers that DC remains open to tourism in a government shutdown with plenty of museums, attractions and even free activities
Popular Leisure Content
- Top post: DC looks good in fall colors
- Our “We The People” video series continued, spotlighting DC residents Panama Jackson and Michelle Banks
- Followers engaged with our user-generated content of the Northern Lights in DC and got excited for the opening of the DowntownDC Holiday Market
Industry
- Top post: IBTM World Petals of Positivity activation
- Promotion announcement of Shirley Del Carpio to Director of Sales
