Read the latest updates from Destination DC's tourism team
DC250: How to Participate – Member Overview
It is not too late to participate in this busy year of special DC250 events! They will take place not only through the summer, but until the end of the year. Take a look at this informational video from the Visitor Experience team to craft ways for your organization to join in the offerings for this milestone year.
DC250: Consumer Overview
Feel free to share this 13-minute inspirational video with your guests and travelers coming to Washington, DC for America’s 250th birthday. The video outlines marquee and sporting events, exhibits, hotel packages and resources.
The Washington, DC Welcome & Special Agent Academy
The Washington, DC Welcome is a new hire training program that provides an introduction to DC as a tourist destination. You can incorporate the 10-minute orientation video into new hire onboarding, and/or further your staff’s knowledge with the in-depth Special Agent Academy. Please make your HR managers aware of these resources, now available in English and Spanish.
Congrats to members from the National Geographic Museum of Exploration and Travelers Aid for graduating from the Special Agent Academy in May.
Spotlight
DC250 Welcome Center Takeover (June 12, Newark, DE)
Attendees: The visitor experience & events teams
DDC will take over the Biden Welcome Center along I-95 to interact with visitors driving south to DC. There will be giveaways, games and crafts themed around America’s 250th anniversary in DC. Members from the Smithsonian, National Air & Space Museum and the National Museum of the American Indian will also be onsite to promote their offerings directly to these visitors.
China Sales Blitz (June 13-19, Shanghai, Beijing, China)
Attendee: Darren Gan, China Office
DDC will conduct a multi-city sales blitz across Shanghai, Beijing and, in July, Guangzhou to engage with key travel trade partners and strengthen Washington, DC’s presence in the China market. The program will include sales calls, client meetings and industry engagements with tour operators, travel agencies, airlines and online travel platforms. Discussions will focus on market trends, partnership opportunities and strategies to drive future visitation to DC.
DC250 Visitor Information Webinar (June 16, virtual)
Team leads: Lindsay Hill, Georgia Lucas
Join the DDC visitor experience team as they outline the marquee events and exhibits for America's 250th anniversary in the nation’s capital. This can't-miss webinar will provide essential information for visitor-facing professionals in DC.
Clipper Around the World Race Booth (June 18-20, Washington, DC)
Attendees: The visitor experience team
DDC, in partnership with Events DC, will present a booth in the Clipper Around the World Fanzone at The Wharf, one of the host ports of the 2026 race. Register now to join DDC staff and take advantage of the FREE opportunity to meet yacht racers and enthusiasts face-to-face with an event deal to get visitors to your business.
National Gallery of Art Training (June 18, Washington, DC)
Team Lead: Georgia Lucas
Visitor experience manager Georgia Lucas will provide a customized destination presentation to the visitor experience team at the National Gallery of Art, highlighting the Washington, DC Welcome training program and our other resources to enable them to more effectively answer visitor questions.
Taiwan Sales Mission (June 22-26, Taipei, Taiwan)
Attendees: Theresa Belpulsi, Darren Gan
DDC will conduct a week of sales calls, client meetings and industry events in Taipei to strengthen relationships with key travel trade partners and promote Washington, DC as a premier U.S. destination. The visit will support the recent launch of EVA Air’s nonstop service between Taipei and Washington Dulles International Airport and reinforce DC’s presence in this important international market.
The mission will include meetings with airlines, tour operators, travel agencies and industry stakeholders to discuss market trends, partnership opportunities and strategies to increase visitation from Taiwan. Theresa and Darren will also connect with industry key players in two EVA Air inaugural flight events in Taipei with MWAA.
Professional Travel Agents of North America (PTANA) Destination Briefing (June 24, virtual)
Team lead: Georgia Lucas
Georgia will present a customized destination training for the members of PTANA, a professional organization for travel agents, by travel agents. This educational presentation will highlight what’s new in DC, DC250 events and exhibits and the Special Agent Academy.
May Visitor Experience Stats
Publications distributed: 19,271
Online requests: 4,757
Calls: 218
Chatbot engagements: 533
What three major questions have visitors asked?
- What is the process for attending the Great American State Fair?
- Do I need tickets to attend the Fourth of July Celebration?
- Where can I find accommodations with views of the Fourth of July Celebration?
Check out the full Destination DC Member News to learn more about what's going on this month.
