Find out where DC has been in the news this month and what's new with the marketing team.
Destination DC's (DDC) marketing and communications strategy supports economic development through tourism by reaching potential visitors and inspiring them to travel to the nation’s capital. The current cross-channel promotional efforts are focused on fall travel across editorial and content development.
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Media Coverage
Domestic
Forbes recommends where to eat, play and stay at The Wharf, National Geographic admires the architecture of Union Station and Afar touts the Go-Go Museum and Café. Fodor’s updates the online version of its neighborhood-specific guide to DC and a high-end North Carolina magazine raves about DC’s design scene. Time Out highlights museums and activities for kids. AAA Magazine and Shermans Travel name DC one of the best places to celebrate America’s 250, while Extended Weekend Getaways, Military Officer Magazine and WCCO Radio in Minneapolis describe the city’s plans to commemorate the milestone. Elliott pens an essay in the Library of Congress’s namesake magazine.
International
WorldPride is the focus in several international publications including, Mexico’s Escandala, Canada’s IN Magazine, Australia’s DNA Magazine, and the UK’s Attitude and DIVA. India dives into the culture of American holidays like Juneteenth and Independence Day. Japan’s ANA in-flight magazine features Smithsonian museums, Black Broadway history, monuments, memorials and festivals in a three-piece cover story. Brasilturis (Brazil) highlights DC as a vibrant summer destination and Canada’s RANGE Magazine covers “The Warped Tour.”
Trade
DDC and Smart Meetings collaborate on a white paper titled "Value Amplified: How Destination Marketing Organizations Drive Results for Event Planners." The report examines the tangible benefits of working with DMOs. Incentives Today reports DC is a rising star for incentive travel destinations. Meetings Today named DDC's Tara Miller an industry "Meetings Trendsetter." WorldPride and A250 receive coverage in BizBash and Vendelux News.
Marketing Highlights
Content
- In preparation for the fall advertising launch, the content team created and updated a plethora of content.
- Fall concerts, museum exhibits, plays and major events are showcased, as well as restaurants with cozy environments, Veterans Day activities and free things to do.
- Content that highlights the renovated National Air and Space Museum, the U.S. National Arboretum, the National Postal Museum and the Library of Congress was also recently updated.
Advertising
- On Aug. 1, the Only 1 DC campaign switched to fall creative including digital display, video, paid social media, podcasts and online travel agencies such as Priceline.
- Custom content includes recent videos produced with The New York Times that focus on wellness and DC's dining scene. These will be promoted throughout the fall season.
- Event campaigns that highlight Summer Restaurant Week, DC JazzFest and Theatre Week are running with digital displays, eblasts, paid social media placements and Washingtonian newsletters to the local drive market audience
Social Highlights
Leisure
- Top Liked Post: Free Date Ideas
- Seasonal Inspiration: We helped audiences make the most of July with roundups on outdoor concerts and outdoor movies, pedal boats at the Tidal Basin, hotel pools, splash pads and the best ways to cool off in the summer – plus guides to free things to do and weekend itineraries all month long.
- Arts & Culture: We explored DC’s cultural side with museums with extended hours, the National Gallery of Art Sculpture Garden, Metro station architecture and a reminder of the pandas at the National Zoo. We also began the countdown to DC250 with Fourth of July content and influencer collaborations.
- Food & Beverage: From hot dogs at Nationals Park to ice cream, bagels, farmers markets and summer spritzes, we shared all the best bites, along with reminders and tips for the upcoming Summer Restaurant Week.
- Family & Community: We spotlighted fun for all ages with dog-friendly activities, boating, running trails and Kenilworth Aquatic Gardens. We also highlighted neighborhoods beyond the National Mall.
Industry
- In July, we celebrated National Intern Day and recognized milestone staff anniversaries. We marked the Fourth of July, promoted our upcoming Marketing Outlook Meeting and shared coffee shop recommendations near the convention center to support meeting attendees on the go.
- We also continued Member Spotlights and offered citywide welcomes to the Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, American Veterinary Medical Association and American Association of Physicists in Medicine.
