Read the latest updates from Destination DC's tourism team
The Washington, DC Welcome & Special Agent Academy
The Washington, DC Welcome is a new hire training program that provides an introduction to DC as a tourist destination. You can incorporate the 10-minute orientation video into new hire onboarding, and/or further your staff’s knowledge with the in-depth Special Agent Academy. Please make your HR managers aware of these resources, now available in English and Spanish.
Congrats to recent graduates from the following members: DC by Foot, National Gallery of Art, National Museum of Women in the Arts and Yours Truly DC.
Spotlight
Brazil Reverse Sales Mission (Sept 1 - Sept 5, Washington, DC)
Attendees: Elliott Ferguson, Theresa Belpusi, Letizia Sirtori, Patricia Najar, Erika Jones, Frances Golla, Halia Ellis, Goldy Fogel
The Global team hosted the Brazil Reverse Sales Mission, bringing top Brazilian tour operators and key travel partners to DC for a five-day program focused on strengthening relationships, supporting product development and creating new business opportunities. The mission incorporated dedicated working sessions, including a roundtable discussion to gain insights from the Brazilian market and identify opportunities to expand DC’s product offerings, as well as 1:1 appointments connecting participating clients directly with DDC members. The program also included destination experiences in DC, Annapolis and Fairfax, providing participants with firsthand knowledge of new attractions, neighborhoods and experiences they can incorporate into their programs and promote to Brazilian travelers.
Guild of Professional Tour Guides of Washington, DC Job Fair (Sept. 9, Arlington, VA)
Attendees: Lindsay Hill & Andrew Chavez
The Visitor Experience team will showcase Destination DC to members, friends and tour company affiliates of the Guild of Professional Tour Guides of Washington, DC. Lindsay and Andrew will pass out brochures and encourage these hospitality professionals to complete The Washington, DC Welcome and Special Agent Academy.
EVA Airways & US Lion Travel FAM (Sept 9 - Sept 12, Washington, DC)
Attendees: Letizia Sirtori, Darren Gan, Goldy Fogel, Erika Jones, Frances Golla
In partnership with EVA Airways and US Lion Travel (Taiwan’s largest travel agency), Destination DC will host high-profile industry partners from China and Taiwan. This trip promotes EVA Airways’ new non-stop flight from Taipei to IAD, encouraging international visitation from Asia.
Iberia Spain FAM (Sept 14 - Sept 17, Washington, DC)
Attendees: Letizia Sirtori, Patricia Najar, Erika Jones, Frances Golla
The Global team will host a FAM from Spain in partnership with Iberia, bringing 8 top Spanish tour operators to DC. Spain is an important market for DC, ranking among our top 10 international markets. The FAM will strengthen relationships with key Spanish travel partners and identify opportunities for new and enhanced DC products while highlighting the connectivity between Madrid and Washington Dulles International Airport.
FROSCH Colombia FAM (Sept 16 - Sept 20, Washington, DC)
Attendees: Letizia Sirtori, Patricia Najar, Erika Jones, Frances Golla
The Global team will welcome a FAM from Colombia in collaboration with United Airlines Colombia and FROSCH, a leading tour operator in the market. Participants will include the company’s directors of Leisure, Corporate and MICE, providing an opportunity to develop business across multiple segments. Colombia is an important market, with nonstop service from Bogota and new nonstop service from Cali to Washington Dulles International Airport beginning in December.
Brand USA Travel Week UK & Europe (Sep 28 - Oct 1, Amsterdam)
Attendees: Elliott Ferguson, Letizia Sirtori, Nicole Nussbaum
The Global Tourism team will participate in Brand USA Travel Week UK & Europe, engaging with travel trade professionals, media representatives, and industry leaders across key international markets. Through dedicated Trade, Media, and CEO tracks, the team will conduct appointments, attend networking events, and engage in strategic meetings to promote Washington, DC, strengthen industry relationships, and drive future visitation from the UK and Europe.
August Visitor Experience Stats
Publications distributed: 15,933
Online requests: 2,488
Calls: 185
Chatbot engagements: 544
What three major questions have visitors asked?
- What access do I have or performances can I see with my DC Jazz Fest Ticket?
- If I buy a preferred or VIP DC Jazz Fest ticket, am I guaranteed a seat?
- Where do I park to visit the museums along the National Mall with all the road closures in place?
July Visitor Experience Stats
Publications distributed: 23,856
Online requests: 3,467
Calls: 253
Chatbot engagements: 619
Check out the full Destination DC Member News to learn more about what's going on this month.
