Learn about DDC initiatives and updates on meeting in the nation’s capital.
NEXT DC and Hospitality Partners Award Scholarships to Students and Career Professionals
NEXTDC, the nonprofit partner of Destination DC, joined the Restaurant Association Metropolitan Washington and the Washington Area Concierge Association to award $35,000 in scholarships and honorariums to 29 local students and alumni during a ceremony at the Hilton Washington DC Capitol Hill. The annual program supports the next generation of hospitality, tourism, culinary arts, media and business leaders while helping build Washington, DC’s future workforce. Since 2015, NEXTDC has awarded more than $250,000 to students and alumni from the District’s Career and Technical Education Academies of Hospitality & Tourism, Culinary Arts, Mass Media and Sports Marketing. Read the full release.
DDC Highlights 2025 Visitation at Travel Rally
At its annual Travel Rally on May 6 at the Lincoln Theatre, Destination DC celebrated tourism’s impact on the nation’s capital and highlighted new visitation and economic impact records alongside city leaders and industry partners, including Mayor Muriel Bowser, Virginia Ali (Ben’s Chili Bowl), Geoff Freeman (Brand USA) and Fred Dixon (U.S. Travel). Total visitation reached 27.2 million visitors (up 0.1%), visitor spending hit a record $11.9 billion (up 4%), tourism generated $2.4 billion in DC tax revenue (up 4%) and supported 114,000 local jobs (up 2%). The celebration continued afterward at the newly reopened Ben's Chili Bowl. Read the full release.
DDC and Partners Celebrate Motorcoach Drivers and Group Tourism
Destination DC celebrated the 15th annual DC Loves Buses Day by honoring motorcoach drivers for their vital role in supporting group tourism and the local economy, delivering lunches and gift bags directly to buses throughout the city in partnership with the American Bus Association, District Department of Transportation, National Park Service, United Motorcoach Association and Student & Youth Travel Association. Read the full release.
DDC Highlights A250 for Meetings and Attendee Experiences
As the U.S. marks its 250th anniversary, Washington, DC is the nation’s central gathering place to honor the milestone. For meeting planners, 2026 presents an extraordinary opportunity to align conferences, meetings and incentive programs with a year-long celebration filled with new cultural openings, storytelling and the unmatched experience of convening in the nation’s capital. Read the full release.
Member Updates
YOTEL Washington DC Becomes First Hotel in the Nation to Achieve Autism Speaks Autism Friendly Designation
YOTEL Washington DC has become the first hotel in the U.S. to earn an Autism Friendly designation from Autism Speaks, highlighting its commitment to accessibility and inclusive guest experiences. The hotel’s specialized staff training and sensory-friendly design features helped secure this recognition, positioning itself as a leader in accessible hospitality.
Ritz Pentagon City’s Sustainability in Action Initiative
In celebration of Earth Month and National Volunteer Week, The Ritz-Carlton, Pentagon City is proud to highlight its ongoing commitment to sustainability. The team recently volunteered alongside Community Residences Inc. by providing mulch and assisting with the enhancement of a local resident’s outdoor space.
Ama Wins Snail of Approval
Congratulations to Ama Restaurant and Bar. It was recently recognized for its achievements in providing “good, clean and fair” food in the 2026 Snail of Approval Awards by Slow Food DC.
2026 James Beard Restaurant and Chef Award nominees
Congratulations also to the nominees, and the Impact, Lifetime Achievement and Humanitarian of the Year Award honorees.
DDC is Hiring
Interested in helping promote the nation’s capital to the world? Check out current openings at DDC.