Read the latest updates from Destination DC's tourism team
This May and June, in celebration of WorldPride Month, Destination DC (DDC) participated in volunteer efforts across the city. (May 17 – June 8, Washington, DC)
DDC employees lent their time and support to various Pride Month events, including the Welcome Center, the festival booth and the Pride Parade. We're proud to stand with the LGBTQ+ community and contribute to the vibrant celebrations that took place throughout DC.
Meet USA Washington, DC Site Visits (June 6-9, Washington, DC)
Team lead: Darren Gan
Longzhe Shangguan, CEO of MeetUSA, visited Washington, DC for site visits to support major MICE and business education groups traveling to the city this fall. MeetUSA is a U.S.-based receptive tour operator specializing in the Chinese outbound market, with a strong emphasis on cultural travel and business education.
During her visit, Longzhe explored key attractions, including the Water Taxi, The Wharf, the International Spy Museum and the National Museum of American History. She also participated in select WorldPride 2025 events.
Virgin Atlantic Holidays UK FAM (June 12-14, Washington, DC)
Team lead(s): Letizia Sirtori, Erika Jones, Frances Golla
Virgin Atlantic Holidays brings a group of their sales and service agents from the UK to explore our destination’s offerings. Some highlights include The Wharf, the National Museum of African American History & Culture and the Washington Nationals.
IPW 2025 (June 14-19, Chicago, IL)
Team lead(s): Theresa Belpulsi, Letizia Sirtori, Erica Riddle O’Neil, Darren Gan, Patricia Najar, Nicole Nussbaum, Goldy Fogel
DDC will participate in IPW 2025, the leading international inbound travel trade show hosted by the U.S. Travel Association. Over three packed days of appointments, the team will engage with key tour operators, travel agencies and influential domestic and international buyers and media from our key markets, building valuable relationships and showcasing DC’s remarkable travel offerings.
Post-IPW Brazil FAM (June 19-22, Washington, DC)
Team lead(s): Patricia Najar, Erika Jones, Frances Golla
DDC welcomes two top travel agents from Brazil to visit the District, following their participation in U.S. Travel’s IPW Conference. This visit will give them a firsthand look at DC’s premier attractions, products and iconic events, such as the Giant Barbecue Battle.
UK Educational Tour Operator Sales Mission (June 23-27, United Kingdom)
Team lead(s): Elliott Ferguson, Theresa Belpulsi, Lindsay Hill
DDC will travel to the UK for a targeted sales mission to meet with educational tour operators. The UK is the primary market for international student groups to DC. Training, updates and new itinerary ideas will be implemented with each operator. We will host a general client event on Wednesday evening. Visit Baltimore is attending as a member co-op.
House of Travel New Zealand FAM (June 28, Washington, DC)
Team lead(s): Bianca Corallo, Erika Jones, Frances Golla
A group of travel agents from House of Travel, one of New Zealand's largest agencies, will spend a day in DC. They’ll make the most of their time discovering our city, exploring a world-class museum and taking in stunning views from a rooftop restaurant.
May Visitor Experience Stats
Publications distributed: 64,552
Online requests: 4,652
Calls: 220
Chatbot Engagements: 1,032
What three major questions have visitors asked?
- What does the 250th Army Anniversary Parade/Celebration (June 14) entail, and what outside of the event will be open and accessible?
- Which guided tours cover all the major stops throughout the city?
- Which are suitable locations in the city to park a coach bus?
Check out the full Destination DC Member News to learn more about what's going on this month.
