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 the following members for graduating from the Special Agent Academy in March: DAR Museum, DC Tours and Events and the Walter E. Washington Convention Center ambassadors.
Tourism Co-Op Opportunities
DC Loves Buses Day (May 14): DDC will be out around the city as part of our annual “thank you” to motorcoach bus drivers who help DC become one of the top group tour destinations in the country. Register now to enjoy one-on-one face time with these drivers and associations, as well as to receive your branded favors in 200 gift bags.
DC250 Welcome Center Takeover (June 11): DDC’s Visitor Experience team takes over the Biden Welcome Center in Newark, DE. Visitors driving south to DC will encounter giveaways, games and crafts themed around America’s 250th anniversary in DC. The team will also answer visitor questions and recommend member organizations. Register today for this excellent opportunity to reach hundreds of inbound customers making their way to our city.
Clipper Around the World Race Booth Inclusion (June 18-20): DDC in partnership with Events DC will have a booth in the Clipper Around the World Fanzone at The Wharf, one of the host ports of the 2026 race. Register now to take advantage of the FREE opportunity to meet yacht racers and enthusiasts face-to-face with an event deal to get visitors to your business.
Quarterly Familiarization Tour Stats (Jan. – March 2026)
The team proudly hosted 12 FAM tours, welcoming 80 travel professionals from 15 countries who are now DC enthusiasts. Altogether, the thoughtfully curated itineraries featured 129 activities in collaboration with 73 valued DDC members. We received $51K in in-kind contributions – a powerful example of what true partnership looks like.
Spotlight
Canada Sales Blitz (April 6-9, Toronto)
Attendee: Bianca Corallo
Bianca traveled to Toronto to conduct sales calls with top Canadian tour operators, travel agents and airlines. She gained an understanding of how travel to the U.S. is selling and heard updates on consumer sentiment.
JTB USA Fam Tour (April 17-20, Washington, DC)
Attendee: Darren Gan
Darren will welcome and host Harumi Leonard from key Japanese tour operator JTB during her visit to DC. She will stay at the Omni Shoreham and will explore the National Mall, several museums (including the O Museum in the Mansion) and experience The Wharf and Georgetown neighborhoods.
Sports ETA Symposium (April 21-23, Las Vegas, NV)
Attendee: Holly Rattanakone
The Sports ETA Symposium is the annual meeting of the Sports Events & Tourism Association. The Symposium features dozens of education sessions, countless networking opportunities and guaranteed appointments with sports organizers and decision makers in the sports marketplace.
NFL Draft Pre-Promote (April 21-25, Pittsburgh, PA)
Attendees: Theresa Belpulsi, Nick Price
As Washington, DC prepares to host the 2027 NFL Draft, representatives from various departments at DDC will travel to Pittsburgh to observe and support pre-promotional efforts surrounding the Draft. This trip will provide valuable insights into event logistics, fan engagement strategies, sponsor activations and citywide coordination leading up to the Draft.
Downtown BID Destination Training (April 22, Washington, DC)
Team Lead: Georgia Lucas
Visitor Experience Manager Georgia Lucas will provide a customized destination presentation to the Downtown DC Business Improvement District’s frontline staff, highlighting The Washington, DC Welcome training program and our other resources.
Atlanta Sales Blitz (April 27-28, Atlanta, GA)
Attendees: Letizia Sirtori, Bianca Corallo
The global sales team will travel to Atlanta to connect with the top receptive tour operators who service the India market.
March Visitor Experience Stats
Publications distributed: 16,507
Online requests: 4,861
Calls: 338
Chatbot engagements: 391
What three major questions have visitors asked?
- How can I purchase tickets to the National Cherry Blossom Festival Opening Ceremony?
- How can I purchase tickets to the National Cherry Blossom Festival Parade®?
- What events are happening in Washington, DC for America’s 250th anniversary?
Check out the full Destination DC Member News to learn more about what's going on this month.
