MEMBER NEWS

Dear Members,

Destination DC (DDC) hosted a successful July 4th fundraiser on the Potomac View Terrace at the American Pharmacists Association, which is one of the coolest places to see the fireworks. Our nation’s capital shined and we are fortunate that many members were able to join us. Tickets supported DDC’s American Experience Foundation (AEF), which connects students to career opportunities in the hospitality industry and provides scholarships to qualified DC high school students studying hospitality.

As summer rolls on, DDC is informing potential visitors of incredible opportunities for travel throughout the season. In addition to the Capital Fringe Festival that is currently underway, major upcoming events include Citi Open (July 30 – Aug. 7), Hamilton at The Kennedy Center (Aug. 2 – Oct. 9), RAMW’s Summer Restaurant Week (Aug. 15-21) and DC JazzFest (Aug. 31 – Sept. 4). Check out all that’s happening on washington.org.

Please register for DDC’s in-person Marketing Outlook Meeting on Wednesday, Aug. 31 from 8:30 to 11 a.m. at the Waldorf Astoria Washington, DC. Early bird registration prices are available through Aug. 1. You’ll hear important updates about how we are selling and marketing the city to impact your business, as well as the latest data on DC’s tourism industry.  

Kind regards,

Elliott L. Ferguson, II
President & CEO
Destination DC

Join Destination DC at Marketing Outlook Meeting

Attend DDC's annual meeting to sharpen your travel knowledge and plan for the year ahead. Programming includes:

• Marketing and sales strategies to attract more visitors to Washington, DC and support your business
• STR’s hotel data and forecast
• Updates on visitation and the convention group outlook

We are pleased to host the Student Youth Travel Association annual conference next month

Virginia Tourism Corporation, Visit Maryland and Smithsonian American Art Museum have joined DDC as lead sponsors of SYTA's annual conference, Aug. 26-30.

All members can welcome these travel and tour operators by uploading deals via the Member Extranet for attendees to utilize while they’re in town.

Stay in the Loop with Industry Buzz

Find out what's happening in the Washington, DC tourism and hospitality industry.

For Meetings & Events That Matter

Our locations have the design, cuisine, technology and hospitality to take your events to the next level. Get a jump on your fall programs with exclusive discounts and upgrades for your events. 

Elevate your next event from ordinary to EXTRAORDINARY!

If you are looking to incorporate the "wow" factor into your next event, our stunning views will absolutely fit the bill. The Potomac View Terrace offers expansive views of the entire National Mall. Find the best of DC in one location.

Summer holiday pitching led to strong editorial in June. A top-tier placement in U.S. News & World Report highlighted DC in 12 Top Destinations to Visit to Celebrate Juneteenth. July 4 celebrations focused on DC as The best places to see Fourth of July fireworks by The Points Guy and DC shined for travel in AFAR, named among The Best Cities in the United States in 2022. Consumer social media channels highlighted ways to experience Capital Pride, a guide to Juneteenth weekend and built anticipation for Fourth of July events. Industry social media channels were busy welcoming back visitors to #ExperienceDC as international travel testing requirements were lifted and the District is grooving this summer with events and experiences from Juneteenth weekend to Fourth of July festivities and more to come.

The sales team once again focused on a proactive engagement plan for client outreach, with an emphasis on personalized touchpoints, program restructuring and rebooking and customer engagement. The team tracked over 50 presentations, virtual client sales calls and in-person meetings throughout the month of June.

Upcoming & Recent Activities:

• Destinations International Annual Meeting (July 19-21, 2022; Toronto, Canada)
• Washington, DC Sales Mission (July 27, 2022)
• Connect Marketplace (Aug. 8-10, 2022; Detroit, MI)

DDC’s tourism team continues to host and attend events for group tour operators from around the world and to highlight the benefits of visiting DC. Over July 4th weekend, DDC’s Elliott Ferguson and Erika Jones welcomed a family as part of the Jack & Jill Late-Stage Cancer Foundation, which provides opportunities for families who will soon lose a parent to cancer to make lasting memories through travel.

What three things are visitors asking about?

1. Do the museums and attractions close for the holidays?
2. How do I get around the city and is it safe?
3. How do I reserve a tour of the Pentagon? 

Make sure to use #ExperienceDC

Industry Social Channels: @DestinationDC

Leisure Social Channels: @visitwashingtondc