New international representation, partnerships and insights position the nation’s capital to welcome overseas visitors
Washington, DC) - Destination DC (DDC) today announced efforts to continue driving overseas visitation to Washington, DC, in partnership with new representation in key markets: China, Australia and India, as well as a continued relationship with its agency of record in the United Kingdom.
In 2017, the nation’s capital welcomed a record 22.8 million total visitors, up 3.6 percent over 2016. Of those visitors, DC saw 20.8 million domestic (up 4.2 percent) and 2 million overseas (up 1.3 percent). Due to revised data from the U.S. Department of Commerce released in late 2018 dating back several years, there have been shifts in some of DC’s top overseas markets.
Washington, DC Offers Two-Day Stopover Program for UK Market for Second Year Following a successful pilot stopover program for UK travelers in 2018, Destination DC expands the program for UK leisure visitors to the Washington metropolitan area
(Washington, DC) – As the result of a successful pilot stopover program last year, Destination DC expands the stopover program this year in the UK, as well as three additional markets – the Netherlands, Switzerland and China. In 2018, Destination DC launched a pilot stopover program for UK visitors, which included a stop in Washington, DC for two nights on their way to another destination, a major value-added benefit meant to extend length of stay. Consumers in the UK can book the stopover program via Trailfinders now through Friday, May 3, for travel from June through September 2019.
Washington, DC celebrates Travel Professionals Vacation Incentive Program with discounts and deals
(Washington, DC) – For the seventh year, Destination DC (DDC), the official destination marketing organization for Washington, DC, has created a promotion exclusively for travel industry professionals called the Travel Professionals Vacation Incentive Program. DDC has partnered with 38 greater Washington, DC-area hotels to offer exclusive discounted room rates from July 1, 2019 through Sept. 2, 2019. Travel professionals must register online to unlock exclusive discounts.
“We’re pleased to continue building on the success of this program and reward the industry experts who help us encourage travelers to ‘Discover the Real DC’,” said Elliott L. Ferguson, II, president and CEO, DDC. “These discounts are part of our gratitude as well as an opportunity to experience our city’s hotel offerings firsthand. Whether it is experiencing the new Conrad Washington DC’s beverage
China is the city’s top overseas market with 302,000 visitors in 2017
(Washington, DC) Destination DC (DDC), the official destination marketing organization for Washington, DC, will host a sales and media mission in China from March 11-15, 2019 to promote DC’s new tourism offerings to its top overseas market. Traveling with key partners, the delegation will visit Beijing, Shanghai and Guangzhou to showcase a diverse U.S. capital city to top travel agents and consumer media.
China continues to be DC’s strongest market with 302,000 Chinese visitors in 2017 spending $655,728,533. With a 10 percent market share of China’s visitors to the U.S., one out of every 10 Chinese visitors to the U.S. visited Washington, DC.
IGLTA Foundation introduces new 2021 Board officers
January 14, 2021
The International LGBTQ+ Travel Association Foundation began the new year with new officers at the helm. Theresa Belpulsi, Vice President of Tourism, Sports & Visitor Services for Destination DC, was named Chair of the board of directors; Maria Cuba, Global Diversity Lead for Airbnb’s Experiences platform; and Dougal Mckenzie, Head of Industry, Travel, at Google were appointed Co-Vice Chairs.
Tom Nichols, Vice President for Finance and Operations, Arcus Foundation; and Don Richardson, CFO for Brand USA, will serve as Co-Treasurers. Eddie Canaday, Director of Convention Sales, Washington D.C. area, Visit Salt Lake; and Scott Seed, Tourism & Hospitality Brand Marketing Consultant, will serve as Co-Secretaries.