Dear Members, 

Welcome to 2026 – the year of the semiquincentennial. This July 4th, we’ll celebrate the 250th anniversary of the founding of this country. The nation’s capital is center stage for the momentous occasion all year, sharing why DC’s story is America’s story. There is only one place to recognize the nation’s birthday next to its founding documents and Destination DC (DDC) is promoting this unmatched opportunity, along with significant museum anniversaries and related events at our DC250 microsite.

We are grateful to work with you during this milestone year, and look forward to seeing you at our annual Member Open House on Tuesday, Feb. 24 from 2-5 p.m. at our offices. You’ll hear more about DC250 and about exciting upcoming opportunities. We can’t wait to welcome you as part of our “Recipe for Success.”

I’d also like to draw your attention to the Washington, DC Welcome Training Video. This resource, created by DDC’s Visitor Experience team, helps DC’s hospitality professionals welcome visitors to our beautiful city with one united voice. Please use it with your staff.

Winter Restaurant Week takes place Jan. 19-25, and the Washington Auto Show returns Jan. 23 – Feb. 1. You can also find February’s most enticing events on washington.org, along with ways to honor Black History Month and Presidents Day, as well as date ideas for Valentine’s Day.

Please be sure to view our Annual Marketing & Sales Plan or download it from the Member Extranet.

Happy new year!

Join DDC and our India market representative, Sabrina Vieira, for a webinar to help you better attract and leverage one of DC’s highest-spending international visitor segments. 

Don't miss DDC's annual gathering focused on international travel data and sales and marketing strategy. 

Is your business or organization working toward a more sustainable DC? Tell us how you are addressing the environmental, economic and social needs of the District.

Winners will be recognized at DDC's Sustainability Summit in March.

The Washington, DC Auto Show (Jan. 23 – Feb. 1) is preceded by a gathering of automotive industry leaders, government officials and esteemed media contacts to gain an exclusive look at the people and policies shaping the auto industry. 

In December, the team tracked over 44 presentations, virtual client sales calls and in-person meetings.

Recent activities: 

This month, DDC's tourism team continues to promote travel to DC. The team will:

Industry Social: @DestinationDC

Leisure Social: @visitwashingtondc