FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
July 17, 2008

HOSPITALITY BUSINESSES STEP UP TO SUPPORT DESTINATION DC

(Washington, DC)...In order to attract additional financial resources to build and strengthen DC's $5.2 billion hospitality industry, Destination DC has launched a Signature Partner program designed to develop marketing alliances with local businesses, media and key players in the worldwide hospitality industry. Since beginning the push earlier this year,  the city’s official convention and tourism corporation has inked partnerships with corporations including Guest Services, Inc., American Airlines, Amtrak, JetBlue Airways, United Airlines and Southwest Airlines. Media partners such as NBC4, Smithsonian Magazine and the Washington Business Journal have also pledged their support of Destination DC’s initiatives.

"Competition for leisure travel and meetings is intense, and it’s critical that we secure more marketing resources to remain competitive," said Bill Hanbury, president & CEO, Destination DC. "There are many businesses, locally and nationally, that benefit from a strong, healthy hospitality economy in DC. We’re grateful for their support and excited to collaborate with them."

The multi-tiered, customized Signature Partner program delivers private corporations and media outlets benefits like exposure and recognition at member and client events, advertisements in official meetings and tourism publications and networking opportunities to interact with Destination DC members and clients. In exchange, partners provide financial and in-kind support of Destination DC’s marketing initiatives.

A long-time supporter of DC tourism initiatives, Fairfax, Va.-based Guest Services, Inc. was among the first firms to sign on to the Signature Partner program, contributing resources towards Destination DC’s new marketing campaign launch and the production of a new promotional video.

Transportation companies have also partnered with Destination DC to promote their routes and connections to the nation’s capital as Signature Partners. Major airline carriers, including American, JetBlue, United and Southwest, have pledged their support of Destination DC’s programs by providing in-kind services and promotional opportunities.

"Since 2001 when JetBlue began service to the metro DC area, our focus has been on bringing humanity back to air travel through value, style, and great service," said Tom Wilson, JetBlue’s Southeast Sales Manager. "We look forward to a productive partnership with Destination DC as we continue to provide DC’s convention, business, and leisure travelers with our award-winning air travel experience."

Amtrak is also tapping into Destination DC’s marketing resources with an extensive sponsorship package that includes train tickets and discounts, advertorial features on Amtrak’s electronic newsletter, inclusion on Amtrak’s website, prize giveaways and other promotional programs.

To broaden the reach of its new marketing campaign, Destination DC has partnered with NBC4, Smithsonian Magazine and the Washington Business Journal to develop value-added media buys, leveraging an additional $455,500 in media to support Destination DC’s $2 million advertising plan.

For more information on Signature Partnerships, contact Damelia Shaw at (202) 789-7052 or This e-mail address is being protected from spambots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it .

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About Destination DC:  Destination DC, the lead destination marketing organization for the nation’s capital, is a private, non-profit membership organization of more than 1,000 businesses committed to marketing the area as a premier global convention, tourism and special events destination with a special emphasis on the arts, cultural and historic communities. Destinationdc.com.