Read the latest updates from Destination DC's tourism team
New Maps & Guides are Available
Destination DC has new 2026-2027 Visitor Maps and the 2026 Fall/Winter Official Visitors Guide available for use at your business. Request your copies through the Member Extranet. For questions, reach out to Visitor Experience Manager Georgia Lucas at georgia@washington.org.
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: Hosts DC, PRA Events Washington, D.C. and the Royal Sonesta Washington DC Capitol Hill.
Spotlight
United Airlines Confiança Brazil FAM (Oct. 5-8, Washington, DC)
Attendees: Letizia Sirtori, Patricia Najar, Erika Jones, Frances Golla
DDC’s Brazil office partnered with United Airlines to host eight of the highest-potential travel managers across Brazil from Confiança Consolidadora, part of Grupo Confiança, one of the largest consolidators in Brazil. With a strong historical presence in the Midwest and northern regions, Confiança is among the top three partners for United Airlines and within the Brazil-U.S. travel market.
Mexico Sales and Media Mission (Oct. 6-8, Mexico City and Guadalajara, Mexico)
Attendees: Theresa Belpulsi, Patricia Najar, Kyle Deckelbaum
The global tourism team conducted a successful sales mission to Mexico City and Guadalajara, strengthening relationships with key travel trade, media and airline partners. In Mexico City, the team hosted a breakfast training in partnership with United Airlines, a media breakfast, one-on-one media interviews and trade meetings. The highlight of the mission was the main client event, which brought together key tour operators, travel agencies, media and airline partners for networking and destination updates.
The mission continued in Guadalajara with a breakfast training in partnership with Volaris, supporting the launch of its nonstop service between Guadalajara and Washington Dulles International Airport which began operations on Oct. 1. The mission reinforced DDC’s commitment to the Mexican market, increasing destination awareness and supporting continued visitation growth.
Willy Scharnow Foundation for Tourism Germany Trade FAM (Oct. 7-8, Washington, DC)
Attendees: Letizia Sirtori, Erika Jones, Frances Golla
DDC collaborated with Virginia Tourism Corporation to host a group of travel trade professionals from the Willy Scharnow Foundation for Tourism (WSFT). WSFT is based in Germany and offers study tours and seminars for travel agents. The foundation annually organizes approximately 50-60 workshops and educational tours worldwide for 400-500 participants, including trips to the U.S.
Tour Connection Nashville (Oct. 9-10, Nashville, TN)
Attendee: Holly Rattanakone
DDC participated in this premier industry event to engage directly with travel professionals who focus on the sports, entertainment and VIP travel segments. This opportunity attracted a new network of clients and exposed travel buyers to exciting updates about the new stadium and other robust developments in Washington, DC.
International Deep Dive: UK Market Webinar (Oct. 15, virtual)
Team Lead: Letizia Sirtori
Register now to join DDC and our UK market representatives from 5F Marketing for the next installment of our International Deep Dive webinar series. As one of Washington, DC’s top international markets, the UK remains a key priority for DDC. Registrants will also receive a recording of the webinar.
China Sales and Media Mission (Oct. 19-23, Beijing, Chengdu, Shanghai, PR China)
Attendees: Elliott Ferguson, Theresa Belpulsi, Darren Gan, Lillian Tsegaye
The global team will meet with key Chinese tour operators, travel partners, media and airline representatives to strengthen relationships, support product development and create new business opportunities for Washington, DC. The mission will mark the first time in ten years that DDC travels to Chengdu, a key city and major tourism market in Southwest China. The program will include dedicated sales calls, client meetings, presentations, media interviews and networking events. The team will also showcase DC’s latest attractions, neighborhoods, culinary offerings, seasonal experiences and tourism products, helping partners develop and promote new DC itineraries for Chinese travelers.
Sell Your Way Australia and New Zealand FAM (Oct. 22-28, Washington, DC)
Attendees: Letizia Sirtori, Bianca Corallo, Frances Golla
DDC will host the top-performing winners of the sales campaign organized by our Australia and New Zealand office. These outstanding agents achieved the highest sales of Washington, DC travel packages among their competitors.
U.S. Civil Rights Trail Connectivity Conference (Oct. 26-28, Memphis, TN)
Team Leads: Theresa Belpulsi, Lindsay Hill
In partnership with Travel South USA and the U.S. Civil Rights Trail, DDC will join other tourism development professionals, legislators and civil rights site administrators for the third annual conference. The goals of the conference include strengthening partnerships, fostering collaboration and developing strategies to increase visitation to the Trail.
TEAMS Conference & Expo (Oct. 26-29, Birmingham, AL)
Attendees: Nick Price, Holly Rattanakone
The sports department will host a booth at the world’s leading conference and expo for the sports-event industry. The one-on-one appointment-based trade show is an excellent setting to advance Washington, DC as the Sports Capital. The event draws more than 1,300 participants including CEOs, key-decision makers from sports organizations and other industry leaders. Between appointments, there will be several opportunities for networking and sports-specific educational programming.
Brand USA Travel Week Canada (Oct. 26-29, Toronto and Montreal, Canada)
Attendees: Theresa Belpulsi, Bianca Corallo
Brand USA is hosting a four-day event connecting U.S. destinations and attractions with the Canadian travel trade. Toronto will host U.S. exhibitor education, B2B meetings and networking, as well as a CEO summit. In Montreal, the DDC team will connect with travel agents and educate them on Washington, DC.
REGISTER NOW: Winter Magic in DC: A Preview of Enchant and Winter's Best Festivities (Nov. 9, virtual)
Join DDC and Enchant as they preview dazzling winter festivals, unforgettable nighttime spectacles and the return of Enchant Christmas to Nationals Park. This webinar will provide front-line professionals at your business with creative ways to inform customers how to make the most of this magical time of year in Washington, DC.
What three major questions have visitors asked?
- How can I rent an electric scooter in Washington, DC?
- Where can a motorcoach park near the White House?
- How to get to Downtown DC from Baltimore?
August Visitor Experience Stats
Publications distributed: 20,122
Online requests: 2,044
Calls: 187
Chatbot engagements: 460
Check out the full Destination DC Member News to learn more about what's going on this month.
