MEMBER NEWS

Dear Members,

With summer finally here, Destination DC (DDC) is informing potential visitors of incredible opportunities for travel throughout the season. In addition to Capital Pride underway now, major upcoming events include Something in the Water over Juneteenth weekend (June 17-19), the Smithsonian Folklife Festival (June 22-27, June 30 – July 4) and the Giant National Capital Barbecue Battle (June 25-26). Make sure to check out all that’s happening across the city on washington.org.

DDC has been conducting business and renewing relationships with customers and media over the last several weeks with the goal of jumpstarting international business and leisure travel. After IMEX Frankfurt (May 31 – June 2), focused on meetings and conventions, I joined members of the DDC team at U.S. Travel Association’s IPW in Orlando from June 4-8. At IPW, we had a chance to update international travel buyers and journalists on what’s new in the city through a dedicated press conference and individual travel trade and media appointments.

Working closely with Events DC and city partners, DC has been in the running to host several major sporting events that we hope to hear about soon, including World Cup 2026, with an official announcement set for June 16. We hope to bring this wonderful international sporting event to the District of Champions and will continue aiming to attract major celebrations to the nation’s capital.

A quick reminder: With our advertising back in market, it’s more important than ever for you to upload your deals and discounts to our Member Extranet.

Elliott L. Ferguson, II
President & CEO
Destination DC

Join Us for International Tourism 101

Join DDC to refresh your international sales and marketing skills.

Date: June 21, 8:30 – 11 a.m.

Location: TBD - in-person

Save the Date for Marketing Outlook Meeting

Join us at our annual Marketing Outlook Meeting to receive the latest industry updates and learn about forecasts for the year ahead.

Date: Aug. 31, 2022

Celebrate July 4 with DDC & AEF

On July 4th, DDC and our affiliated charity, the American Experience Foundation (AEF), will host our annual July 4th Celebration for hospitality and tourism leaders, meeting planners, industry partners, friends and family.  Secure tickets for your top clients, create a branded event activation and get recognized as an AEF supporter on press materials.

Stay in the Loop with Industry Buzz

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

Entertain in a Major League Way

Nationals Park has over 300,000 square feet of indoor and outdoor event space that can be transformed to achieve your vision.

Ready to meet your traveler’s needs.

We offer discounts for attendees traveling to large meetings, conferences and trade shows. Attendees can book their own flights online - up to 3 days before and after the meeting/conference dates.

Fun All Weekend at the Giant BBQ Battle

The 30th Annual Giant BBQ Battle (June 25-26) is summer’s tastiest event, with free BBQ and grilled food samples from celebrity chefs, top restaurants and specialty vendors. Enjoy more than 30 bands, presented by Events DC.

Summer holidays, family travel, dining and new venues all made news this month. National broadcast morning shows highlighted the District on Live With Kelly and Ryan and Good Morning America. DDC’s newly formed Events Team will manage, produce and oversee all aspects of events and customer engagement, including annual/monthly member events, tradeshows, receptions, site inspections and signature customer events and meetings. The team will report to Robin McClain, Senior Vice President of Marketing & Communications. Consumer social media channels highlighted the Lincoln Memorial Centennial, Memorial Day, Capital Pride and much more. Industry social media channels recognized DC Loves Buses Day and the amazing efforts of the American Experience Foundation.

The sales team is focusing on a new proactive engagement plan for client outreach, with an emphasis on personalized touchpoints, program restructuring and rebooking, and customer engagement. The team held more than 70 presentations, virtual client sales calls and in-person meetings in May.

Upcoming & Recent Activities:

• ICCA North America Summit (June 8-10, Ottawa, Canada)
• Association Forum Forward (June 21, Chicago, IL)
• Meeting Professionals International World Education Conference (June 21-23, San Francisco, CA)

DDC's tourism team continues to host and attend events for group tour operators from around the world to highlight the benefits of visiting DC. This month, members of the team attended IPW and the TravelAbility Expands Into Emerging Markets Summit in Orlando, Fl. and hosted a member event focused on international markets. Registration for the Capital Region USA Global Travel Exchange is open through July 15.

What three things are visitors asking about?

1. How can I celebrate Juneteenth in DC?
2. Can I take my scooter on a tour bus or on public transportation?
3. How far in advance do I need to make reservations to visit the White House or the U.S. Capitol?

Make sure to use #ExperienceDC

Industry Social Channels: @DestinationDC

Leisure Social Channels: @visitwashingtondc