Tourism News & Events

The Washington, DC Welcome
Destination DC (DDC) launched the official destination training course designed for the DC area hospitality community in October. The Washington, DC Welcome provides a 10-minute video highlighting the vital information you need to know about the city and offering suggestions to amplify the #Only1DC experience. Congratulations to the staff at the Marriott Marquis Washington, DC, DC in Portuguese and Travelers Aid who have already completed the course. You can check out the video and resources for you and your colleagues on the Washington, DC Welcome landing page. 

Brand USA Korea MegaFAM (Nov. 1-2, Washington, DC)
Attendees: Darren Gan
The tourism team welcomed Brand USA’s inaugural Korea MegaFAM in collaboration with Delta Airlines. This trip aimed to introduce top Korean travel agents to Washington, DC's dynamic entertainment, arts and culture scene, with a focus on Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) offerings. View the itinerary. 

Mexico Wizards Consumer Activation (Nov. 2, Mexico City, Mexico)
Attendees: Theresa Belpulsi, Erica Riddle O’Neill
In partnership with Brand USA and United Airlines, the global team executed a consumer activation during the Washington Wizards vs Miami Heat Mexico City game. The event included interactive touchpoints that engaged 2,500 consumers, including a photo opportunity, a claw machine game and a raffle to win a grand prize trip to DC supported by United Airlines and the Washington Hilton. In addition, 850 CCTV screens throughout the arena showcased the There’s Only One Washington, DC brand through video footage to inspire the 20,328 game attendees to travel to DC. 

Ontario Motorcoach Association (OMCA) Marketplace (Nov. 4-6, Windsor, ON, Canada)
Attendees: Lindsay Hill
The group sales team attended this annual trade show to build and sustain relationships in the Canadian leisure market. Lindsay conducted around 30 appointments with Ontario-based group tour operators. 

Accent on the East Trade Show (Nov. 12-14, Traverse City, MI)
Attendees: Georgia Lucas
This annual trade show consists of networking events and tour operator appointments highlighting East Coast USA destinations. Georgia will meet with 20 group tour operators to provide new Washington, DC products.

Brand USA German Swiss Group FAM (Nov. 12-14, Washington, DC)
Attendees: Letizia Sirtori, Erika Jones, Bianca Corallo
In partnership with Brand USA, Capital Region USA and United Airlines, the tourism team will host a FAM trip highlighting Dulles Airport as a key gateway for international visitors to access the capital region. With Germany ranking as DC's fourth-largest international market as of 2023, this will be a valuable opportunity to strengthen relationships and deepen agent familiarity with our cultural and tourism assets.

WorldPride Reveal (Nov. 14, Washington, DC)
Attendees: DDC TSVE Team
A celebration hosted by Capital Pride Alliance. The event will include the announcement of the WorldPride 2025 theme, updates on WorldPride 2025, Capital Pride Alliance news and much more.

National Tour Association (NTA) Travel Exchange (Nov. 17-20, Huntsville, AL)
Attendees: Lindsay Hill
This annual trade show consists of pre-scheduled appointments, educational sessions and networking opportunities. Lindsay will have over 30 appointments and will host a client dinner on Tuesday night with group tour operators and four member co-ops. 

BizBash Sports Innovation Summit (Nov. 20-22, Washington, DC)
Attendees:  Theresa Belpulsi, Nick Price, Noah Rosendorf, Holly Rattanakone
This summit welcomes professionals in sports marketing and events. The three-day conference includes networking, educational sessions and panels. DDC will participate in a panel with industry leaders and present a case study on next year’s WorldPride.  

CRUSA Lufthansa Mega FAM (Nov. 21-24, Washington, DC)
Attendees: Letizia Sirtori, Erika Jones, Bianca Corallo
The tourism team, in partnership with Lufthansa and Capital Region USA, will host leading travel agents to spotlight the new Zurich-to-Dulles route. The team will also highlight DC’s dynamic cultural and entertainment scene with a city tour, visit to the National Museum of Women in the Arts, a Capitals hockey game and much more.

United Airlines Brazil Luxury FAM (Nov. 21-24, Washington, DC)
Attendees: Letizia Sirtori, Erika Jones, Bianca Corallo
DDC’s Brazil office will partner with United Airlines to host an exclusive FAM trip for luxury travel agents from Roubi4You, Valtur Turismo, Travel Place, Kontak, Queensberry and Plantel. The trip will promote DC’s luxury offerings, featuring a private city tour in Portuguese, a shopping experience in CityCenter, a Capitals game enhanced with Monumental VIP Club privileges and other exclusive DC experiences.

October Visitor Experience Stats

Publications distributed: 13,446
Online requests: 3,183 
Calls: 289

Top visitor questions last month:

• Will the election affect museum hours of operations?
• How can I get tickets to the Washington Monument?
• Are there any buses to Luray Caverns from Washington, DC?

Check out the full Destination DC Member News to learn more about what's going on this month.