Read the latest updates from Destination DC's tourism team
Free Staff Training Resources
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.
You can 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 our members at the National Museum of Women in the Arts for graduating in December.
NFL Source
With the 2027 NFL Draft coming to Washington, DC, Destination DC encourages our member businesses to register for the 2027 NFL Draft Source Program. Registration allows businesses to connect with subcontracting opportunities tied to Draft events — with an emphasis on local, small and underrepresented businesses. Accepted businesses gain visibility through a member directory shared with NFL contractors and access to networking events, capacity-building workshops and key NFL partners. Participation is competitive and does not guarantee contracts.
Critical Next Step: Register your interest by Friday, Feb. 16.
Application Window: The official application will be distributed on March 1. The application window will close on March 31.
Don’t miss your chance to be part of the 2027 NFL Draft!
Want to learn more? Reach out to Nick Price.
Spotlight
Visitor Experience Site Visits (Feb. 10, across Northern Virginia)
Attendees: Lindsay Hill, Georgia Lucas
The Visitor Experience team will be visiting AAA offices and partners in Northern Virginia to encourage destination training opportunities and provide city updates and resources. Sites include AAA Fairfax, AAA Alexandria, AAA Tysons and Visit Alexandria. The team will also provide publications.
Australia Sales Blitz (Feb. 23-27, Sydney, Australia)
Attendee: Bianca Corallo
A week-long sales blitz will be conducted in Sydney, Australia. Bianca will participate in the Brand USA Appointment Day. She will also represent Washington, DC at the Visit USA Sydney Expo. In addition, Bianca will conduct destination trainings and client visits throughout Sydney.
US-Based Receptive/International Inbound Tour Operators Reverse Mission (Feb. 24-26, Washington, DC)
Attendees: Theresa Belpulsi, Letizia Sirtori, Patricia Najar, Darren Gan
DDC will host ten top receptive tour operators in the U.S., including Flight Center Travel Group, Allied TPro and WebBeds, among others. The sales mission aims to connect these operators with local suppliers and support the development of extended itineraries in Washington, DC. The visit will include a roundtable discussion to understand market needs and identify opportunities for collaboration, one-on-one meetings with members, familiarization activities and networking opportunities.
United Airlines Executive Africa FAM (Feb. 25-28, Washington, DC)
Attendees: Letizia Sirtori, Erika Jones, Frances Golla
In partnership with United Airlines, DDC will host high-profile clients from Ghana, Nigeria and South Africa. This familiarization tour will complement the airline’s existing flights to Accra, Cape Town and Johannesburg and showcase our region’s products to top-producing executives.
SAVE THE DATE: National Cherry Blossom Festival & America250 Informational Webinar (March 10, virtual)
Join DDC Visitor Experience Manager Georgia Lucas and National Cherry Blossom Festival Director of Marketing and Communications Sarah Rabin Spira to highlight the signature events of the annual spring event. Additionally, the program will offer resources on how to create programs for America250 and promote them on our microsite.
January Visitor Experience Stats
Publications distributed: 12,762
Online requests: 4,667
Calls: 165
Chatbot engagements: 395
What three major questions have visitors asked?
- When will the 2026 spring/summer visitors guides be available?
- When is the busiest time to avoid during the National Cherry Blossom Festival?
- What are some attractions not on the National Mall to visit?
Check out the full Destination DC Member News to learn more about what's going on this month.
