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.
Spotlight
China Sales Blitz (Oct. 8-13, Beijing, Shanghai, China)
Team Lead: Darren Gan
Darren, together with the China office trade managers, will conduct sales visits to key travel trade partners in Beijing and Shanghai. Taking place eight months after our February China sales and media mission, this blitz will strengthen relationships with our core partners, re-establish engagement, and showcase the latest updates and offerings from Washington, DC.
TEAMS Conference (Oct. 13-16, Columbus, OH)
Team Leads: Nick Price, Holly Rattanakone
Drawing more than 1,300 participants, this annual appointment-based trade show targets sports organizations, event directors and decision-makers. The DDC sports team will host up to 40 one-on-one client appointments, engage with industry leaders and market the exciting new sports developments in Washington, DC.
NAAR Tour Operator Italy FAM (Oct. 17-21, Washington, DC)
Team Leads: Letizia Sirtori, Erika Jones, Frances Golla
As part of a marketing campaign, DDC, in partnership with NAAR Tour Operator, will host a group of agents from Italy. NAAR, one of the largest agencies in Italy, specializes in creating customized travel experiences for its clients.
Sell Your Way Australia FAM (Oct. 17-21, Washington, DC)
Team Leads: Bianca Corallo, Erika Jones, Frances Golla
In partnership with American Airlines and Qantas, the DDC Australia/New Zealand office will bring the winners of a sales campaign to Washington, DC. These top-selling agents successfully marketed the U.S. and sold the most travel packages among participants
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Brand USA Travel Week UK & Europe (Oct. 20-23, London, United Kingdom)
Team Lead: Letizia Sirtori
Brand USA Travel Week UK & Europe will bring together U.S. exhibitors and key U.S., UK and European travel industry players for a week of B2B meetings, networking and enrichment. In addition to trade and media appointments, attendees will discuss trends, challenges, innovations and the opportunity to drive future visitation to the United States.
International LGBTQ+ Travel Association Global Convention (Oct. 21-25, Palm Springs, CA)
Team Lead: Theresa Belpulsi
The International LGBTQ+ Travel Association’s Global Convention is the world’s premier educational and networking event for the LGBTQ+ tourism industry. Bringing together hundreds of IGLTA members from around the world, IGLTA's 2025 Global Convention will connect LGBTQ+ tourism suppliers and buyers through the two-day buyer/supplier marketplace, educational workshops and networking receptions.
U.S. Civil Rights Trail Connectivity Conference (Oct. 28-30, Atlanta, GA)
Team Lead: Theresa Belpulsi
Theresa will join tourism development professionals, legislators and civil rights site administrators to develop new ideas for enhancing civil rights tourism across the United States. The conference will focus on strengthening connections, expanding the impact of the Civil Rights Trail and shaping the future of our shared mission.
September Visitor Experience Stats
Publications distributed: 12,173
Online requests: 3,008
Calls: 140
Chatbot engagements: 974
What three major questions have visitors asked?
- How and where can I rent an electric scooter (accessibility)?
- What events are happening this month?
- When will the Fall/Winter Guides be available?
Check out the full Destination DC Member News to learn more about what's going on this month.
