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
The TODAY Show profiles ‘As You Are’ on Barracks Row as a haven for all, underscoring DC’s strong LGBTQ+ community and inclusive nature. Good Morning America broadcasts live from the WorldPride parade. The New York Times, Reuters and NPR spotlight WorldPride celebrations, while CNN, USA Today, The Washington Post and Queerty chronicle DC’s pivotal role in the LGBTQ+ movement. United Airlines’ Hemispheres reveals a new Three Perfect Days in DC and Afar lists DC one of America’s best cities. The Associated Press recognizes the city’s unique ability to maneuver from WorldPride to a military parade. Elliott discusses America’s 250th on a podcast with Afar.
International
Washington, DC was named within the top 20 cities in the world by the Oxford Economics Global Cities Index. WorldPride 2025 celebrations were featured globally in Mexico’s Itinerario Turistico, and Brazil’s Correio Braziliense. Washington, DC’s IPW press conference was praised by several international journalists from the Caribbean, Mexico, Australia, India and the UK. Brazil’s Nation Pop covered sports in the nation’s capital and Mexico’s Donde Ir outlined summer activities in DC.
Trade
This month, DC's new and renovated hotels made news in Meetings Today and WorldPride coverage was featured in BizBash and Travel Weekly. International meetings and congresses coming to DC this summer were spotlighted in Boardroom. The American Experience Foundation team supported the Rite of Passage field trip, which returned to DC after a six-year hiatus.
Marketing Highlights
DC250 Content Update: In coordination with local partners and stakeholders, the content team has created a set of 3-day themed itineraries that incorporate elements throughout the District that reflect DC’s – and America’s – past, present and future.
- The Story of Us: American history
- Crafted Expression: arts & culture journey
- Hidden Histories: America’s untold stories
- The Power of Your Voice: democracy & civil rights
- The Future Is Now: urban adventure
Social Highlights
Leisure:
- Top Liked Post: Places to Hear Live Music in DC
- Seasonal Inspiration: We welcomed summer with free and fun ideas across the city, including a summer bucket list, best spots to watch fireworks, parks and gardens and the return of the Smithsonian Folklife Festival
- Arts & Culture: From influencer collaborations to essential LGBTQ+ experiences, we spotlighted Pride Month across DC with bar recommendations and features on LGBTQ+-owned businesses.
- Food & Beverage: Our audience got a taste of DC through roundups on coffee shops, happy hours, spritzes and wine gardens.
- Family & Community: We shared ways to celebrate Juneteenth, Father’s Day and National Children’s Day, while offering weekend plans and summer festival highlights.
Industry:
- In June, we were honored to be named a top place to work in DC while we sent off our spring interns and welcomed summer interns.
- The team hosted a webinar for meeting planners, marked Juneteenth and supported AEF’s Fourth of July fundraiser, while media coverage from Elliott at IPW kept DC in the spotlight.
- We also continued Member Spotlights and strong citywide welcomes to the Drug Information Association, International Society on Thrombosis and Haemostasis and Government Finance Officers Association across the destination.
