Read the latest updates from Destination DC's tourism team
The Washington, DC Welcome and 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 Washington, DC Welcome visitor orientation video into new hire onboarding, and you can further your staff’s knowledge with the in-depth Special Agent Academy. Please make your HR managers aware of these free training resources.
The Commander’s Path Back to Washington, DC
On Aug. 1, DC Council voted to approve a deal for a new 65,000-seat stadium and plans for the 174-acre site. The investment will bring retail, restaurants and hotels to a new entertainment district adjacent to the stadium. The Council is expected to vote a second and final time on Sept. 17.
Spotlight
East Coast USA Australia Sales Mission (Aug. 3-8, Sydney and Brisbane, Australia)
Team Leads: Elliott Ferguson, Letizia Sirtori, Nicole Nussbaum, Bianca Corallo
The global sales and media team traveled to Australia alongside teams from Meet Boston and the Philadelphia Convention and Visitors Bureau. The East Coast USA cohort hosted events in Sydney and Brisbane for key media, top travel trade clients and travel agents.
Otakon Matsuri (Aug. 7, Washington, DC)
Team Leads: Lindsay Hill, Georgia Lucas, Jennifer Porter
The Visitor Experience department connected with attendees of Otakon’s second annual outdoor event and celebration of Asian pop culture. The team distributed maps and guides as well as information to help visitors explore DC and plan for America250 travel.
Virtuoso Travel Week (Aug. 11-15, Las Vegas, NV)
Team Lead: Lindsay Hill
DDC attended the annual tradeshow for luxury travel advisors and tour operators. Lindsay had 88 matched appointments and participated in networking opportunities and education sessions.
Mexico Sales & Training Blitz (Aug. 18-19)
Team Lead: Patricia Najar
In collaboration with AeroMexico, DDC will host a training seminar for travel agencies to enhance their knowledge of Washington, DC and support product development. AeroMexico currently operates a daily direct flight from Mexico City to Washington, DC. In addition, DDC will visit the offices of key partners in Mexico, including PriceTravel and Despegar to strengthen strategic relationships.
Hello, Fall! DC JazzFest and Seasonal Highlights Visitor Information Webinar (Aug. 20, 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 and other upcoming events in the District. Register to gain insider knowledge and answer common visitor questions, invaluable for frontline hospitality professionals.
SYTA Annual Conference (Aug. 22-26, Savannah, GA)
Team Leads: Lindsay Hill, Georgia Lucas
DDC will attend the Student & Youth Travel Association (SYTA) annual conference where staff will meet with representatives in the global youth and education travel market through a full book of appointments. The team will also partner with several members to host a dinner Saturday night with top group tour operators.
India Reverse Sales Mission (Aug. 23-28, Washington, DC)
Team Leads: Theresa Belpulsi, Letizia Sirtori, Bianca Corallo
DDC brings 15 key clients from India to Washington, DC. These clients will partake in meetings, events and activities across the city. Highlights of the mission include one-on-one meetings with members, a roundtable discussion on DC as a destination and an exclusive DC JazzFest experience.
Connect Marketplace (Aug. 25-27, Miami, FL)
Team Leads: Nick Price, Holly Rattanakone, Brandon Murray, Katherine Russo
The annual tradeshow will welcome over 3,000 attendees specializing in various market segments, including association, corporate and sports. DDC staff will participate in one-on-one appointments and educational sessions, and will host a client reception.
July Visitor Experience Stats
Publications distributed: 31,611 guides & 38,004 maps
Online requests: 4,074
Calls: 267
Chatbot engagements: 923 AI & 4 DDC
What three major questions have visitors asked?
- What accessible ticket options are available at the DC JazzFest?
- What DC JazzFest performances require tickets?
- How can I register to volunteer/vend at the DC JazzFest?
Check out the full Destination DC Member News to learn more about what's going on this month.
