Read the latest updates from Destination DC's tourism team
DC250: How to Participate – Member Overview
It is not too late to participate in this busy year of special DC250 events! They will take place not only through the summer, but until the end of the year. Take a look at this informational video from the Visitor Experience team to craft ways for your organization to join in the offerings for this milestone year.
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 members from the National Museum of Women in the Arts for graduating the Special Agent Academy in July.
Spotlight
Domestic Student Tour Operator FAM (Aug. 3-6, Washington, DC)
Attendees: Lindsay Hill, Erika Jones, Frances Golla, Georgia Lucas, Jennifer Porter
DDC proudly hosted 10 top domestic student tour operators in Washington, DC to highlight group-friendly nighttime experiences. Participants were carefully selected with a focus on operators who currently bring student groups to the city as well as those with strong potential to grow their Washington, DC offerings.
India Sales and Media Mission (Aug. 3-7, New Delhi/Bangalore/Ahmedabad)
Attendees: Letizia Sirtori, Bianca Corallo, Nicole Nussbaum
The global sales and media team traveled to India for the 2026 Sales and Media Mission. The team met with key travel trade accounts and media and hosted three client events.
Virtuoso Travel Week (Aug. 9-14, Las Vegas, NV)
Attendee: Georgia Lucas
DDC is participating in the annual Virtuoso Travel Week to meet luxury travel advisors from around the world during four days of pre-set appointments. The convention is a meaningful way to build customer relationships through networking opportunities.
Summer Finale: DC JazzFest and Grand Prix Informational Webinar (Aug. 18, virtual)
Team Lead: Georgia Lucas
Visitor Experience Manager Georgia Lucas will be joined by DC JazzFest Marketing and Communications Consultant Josh Brown to highlight DC JazzFest, the Freedom250 Grand Prix and other upcoming events in the District. Register to gain behind-the-scenes tips and logistical details to answer common visitor questions – perfect for frontline hospitality professionals.
Student & Youth Travel Association (SYTA) Annual Conference (Aug. 21-25, Pittsburgh, PA)
Attendee: Lindsay Hill
SYTA will host its annual conference and Lindsay will conduct pre-set appointments with tour operators in the global youth and student travel market. Lindsay will also receive the 2026 President’s Award for Associate Member of the Year for the significant impact she has made on SYTA and its members through service and steadfast leadership for student travel.
United Airlines and Visit USA Peru FAM (Aug. 24-28, Washington, DC)
Attendees: Patricia Najar, Erika Jones, Frances Golla
In partnership with United Airlines and Visit USA Peru, DDC will host a select group of Peruvian travel agencies. The delegation includes top-performing agents with strong U.S. sales records, ensuring they’re well positioned to maximize the value of this experience.
July Visitor Experience Stats
Publications distributed: 23,856
Online requests: 3,467
Calls: 253
Chatbot engagements: 619
What three major questions have visitors asked?
- How do I attend the Freedom250 Grand Prix?
- How do I purchase tickets for either of the hop-on, hop-off bus/trolley tours?
- What are safe neighborhoods and good hotel recommendations?
Check out the full Destination DC Member News to learn more about what's going on this month.
