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Dear Members,
Destination DC led off the summer with exciting announcements at our annual Travel Rally, held on May 29 at the National Museum of the American Indian in honor of its 20th anniversary. In 2023, DC saw a record 25.95 million visitors, who in turn set another record with $10.2 billion in spending. Visitation resulted in $2.065 billion in tax revenue, an increase of 29.5 percent, and supported 102,366 jobs in the District, up 22 percent year-over-year.
I hope you will join us at our July 4th fundraiser, including DC’s world-renowned fireworks show set against the city’s iconic backdrop. The event benefits the American Experience Foundation, which helps create opportunities for local students to learn about and grow within the hospitality and tourism industry.
Capital Pride was a huge success this year and DC cannot wait to host World Pride in 2025, which we’re currently promoting in major domestic and international markets. I’m proud to highlight Washington, DC’s welcoming nature and acceptance of all communities as we get ready to host up to two million visitors in celebration of Pride next year.
Kind regards,
Elliott L. Ferguson, II
President & CEO
Destination DC
Member Social | June 27, 4:30-6:30 p.m.
Enjoy a vibrant evening full of flavor, fun and fiesta vibes. Connect with industry professionals at Pink Taco and make it a taco-tastic night. All attendees will receive two free drinks, courtesy of DDC.
July 4th Celebration | July 4, 7-10 p.m.
There's #Only1DC fundraiser that offers monumental views of fireworks, great food, drinks and music while supporting DDC's affiliated 501(c)3, the American Experience Foundation.
Where: Potomac View Terrace, American Pharmacists Association | 2215 Constitution Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20437
Adult tickets: $250
Summer in DC 2024 Webinar | Now Streaming
Watch a tailor-made webinar for hospitality and tourism professionals working in DC hospitality and tourism, with answers to the most common summertime visitor questions.
What you'll learn:
- Key details about DC’s biggest summertime events, including the 4th of July and sports
- Free resources for your guests and your team
Pickleball Tournament | Aug. 8, 3-7 p.m.
Join us for our first annual Pickleball Tournament. All proceeds benefit AEF.
Where: Kraken Kourts & Skates | 514 Rhode Island Avenue NE, Washington, DC 20002
Individual player: $25
Pair: $50
DDC's Annual Marketing Outlook Meeting | Aug. 27, 8-11:30 a.m.
Where: Washington Hilton | 1919 Connecticut Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20009
Kick off summer at the Giant BBQ Battle! With 100+ free food samples, live music, the Spoken Word to Go-Go Championship and more, it’s a legendary two-day festival of fun and flavors. Bring the whole family – kids under 12 are FREE!
Host your holiday party at Nationals Park with exclusive event spaces, gourmet catering and stunning views. Make this season unforgettable. Book your event today.
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Earned media: The Washington Post highlights DC’s record visitation and economic impact, while Axios provides a guide to sport events in the city. Internationally, IPW is covered in the UK’s TravelMole and Mexicos’s Reforma lists free things to do in DC. Conference and Meetings World celebrates the AEF’s inaugural hospitality scholarship and the Sustainability Summit is featured in Boardroom.
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Another award for advertising: DDC recently received two Telly Awards for its There’s Only One DC commercials. The videos garnered a Silver award in the Promotional - Regional TV category as well as a Bronze award in the Promotional - Online Commercials category. The Telly Awards present stiff competition: this year, more than 12,000 entries were submitted from six countries and all 50 states, including ad agencies, TV stations, production companies, professional sports teams and publishers. Other winners include Comcast, National Geographic, Fox News Media, MTV Entertainment Studios and PepsiCo Foundation. DDC’s advertising continues to shine on a global stage.
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New hotel content on washington.org: The content team continues to emphasize hotel bookings with new pieces on washington.org that showcase both the tremendous value and sustainable aspects of local properties. With 12 Great Summer Hotel Experiences in Washington, DC, potential visitors can read up on what deals member properties are offering throughout the season. Readers can also discover how 13 area hotels are prioritizing sustainability through initiatives, programs, amenities and more.
- The social media team teased WorldPride 2025 with a video featuring RuPaul’s Drag Race All Stars, highlighted DC's best hotel rooftops for summer and announced the return of the pandas to the Smithsonian Zoo. A "Steal My Itinerary" collaboration with Tav Reviews Everything went live on Instagram and TikTok, generating strong engagement. Industry channels welcomed the National Association of REALTORS® and Digestive Disease Week to Washington, DC and celebrated National Travel and Tourism Week, Memorial Day and Pride Month.
In May, the team tracked over 57 presentations, virtual client sales calls and in-person meetings.
Recent activities:
- Atlanta Sales Mission (May 8-10, Atlanta, GA)
- City Nation Place Americas (May 14-15, Houston, TX)
- IMEX Frankfurt (May 14-16, Frankfurt, Germany)
- HelmsBriscoe ABC (May 14-17, Las Vegas, NV)
- There’s Only One DC Unique Venue Familiarization (May 15, Washington, DC)
DDC’s tourism team continues to host and attend events around the world to highlight the benefits of visiting DC. This month, the team celebrates Pride and highlights WorldPride 2025 in DC, West Hollywood, Los Angeles, New York City, Toronto, Madrid and London. The tourism team also partnered with Brand USA for its first sales mission to Canada. Plus, there is still time to register for the Clipper Around the World booth at The Wharf.
What were visitors asking about last month?
- Are there any RV/campground parks near DC?
- What is the most unique museum in Washington, DC?
- Are there any boat tours of the monuments?
Make sure to use #Only1DC
Industry Social Channels: @DestinationDC
Leisure Social Channels: @visitwashingtondc
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