Find out where DC has been in the news this month and what's new with the marketing team.
Destination DC's (DDC) marketing and communications strategy supports the District’s economic recovery by reaching potential visitors and inspiring them to travel to the nation’s capital. The current cross-channel promotional efforts are focused on fall travel across editorial and content development.
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Media Coverage
Domestic
Condé Nast proclaimed DC one of the 15 best family vacation spots in the US. Good Housekeeping named the city one of the best girls weekend getaways and places to visit in April. USA Today, Travel + Leisure, Thrillist, Hemispheres, and Newsday share travel tips to see the cherry blossoms. The city’s spring hotel deals were featured in Travel + Leisure, Forbes, and Washingtonian. Twenty-five members are mentioned in Fodor’s guide to DC’s under-the-radar neighborhoods. District Fray spotlighted women leading DC’s hospitality scene. Elliott was interviewed on WJLA and DDC was cited by the Washington Business Journal.
International
International Traveller (Australia) highlighted 17 members in its guide to DC’s coolest up-and-coming neighborhoods, while Wanderlust (UK) featured 16 members where tourists can learn about African American history. Cherry blossoms were covered globally in French Morning, Traveller (Australia), and Mexican newspapers Reforma and El Financiero. US Traveler Magazine (Mexico) featured DC and cherry blossoms in a cover story that also showcased museums and exhibitions dedicated to women. The Stylist (India) provided a list of hidden speakeasys for a nightcap and ianslife (India) mentioned more than 20 members in its summer city guide. Food and Travel (Mexico) highlighted activities to do for spring in the nation’s capital and Brazil’s Viagem News mentioned 6 members in an experiential dining guide.
Trade
DDC’s industry initiatives—sustainability, wellness, and DEI were highlighted at PCMA Convening Leaders and picked up in Headquarters, Travel and Tour World and more. Meetings Today hosted a podcast featuring Elliott from the conference floor. DEI continues to be an important topic with coverage in Travel Weekly and Skift Meetings. DDC’s first sustainability summit brought together local, federal and association leaders to discuss ways for member businesses to be more sustainable. The summit was boosted by USAE, Conference & Meetings World, Smart Meetings and Headquarters. Convention South (page 58) and Northstar Meetings featured dozens of local hotels, venues, restaurants and cultural attractions in their annual Washington, DC destination guides for event planners.
Marketing Highlights
Awards season for M&C
The American Advertising Association’s ADDY’s honored DDC’s in-house creative team with awards for its “There’s Only One DC” commercials and campaign photography. DDC was pitted against the area’s top advertising agencies and was one of only two in-house teams awarded. The Hospitality Sales and Marketing Association International also awarded DDC an “Adrian” for its takeover of Philadelphia’s 30th Street Station in partnership with MMGY Global, which included more than 140 print and digital placements.
Summer content update
With summer advertising that launched April 1, the content team updated and added a wide range of summer content to washington.org. Users can discover things to do Memorial Day weekend, during July 4th (including where to watch fireworks) and over Labor Day weekend as well as seasonal events and festivals, free things to do, outdoor recreation, off-the-Mall and kid-friendly museums, waterfront revelry and national parks in the area.
Social Highlights
Leisure Social
In March, our social media channels shined brightly with the beauty of the cherry blossoms’ peak bloom. After our exciting official announcement of the dates, we captured memorable moments like Stumpy’s last dance and leisurely strolls by the Tidal Basin. Influencers such as Chloe in DC, Your DC Bestie and Zoozoowalla attended the Pink Tie Party, sharing their delightful experiences in partnership with the National Cherry Blossom Festival. We also spotlighted the captivating ISEKAI: Blooming Parallel Worlds exhibit at ARTECHOUSE and the thrilling Bond In Motion exhibit at the Spy Museum.
Industry Social
Industry channels welcomed the Association for Supervision and Curriculum Development’s Annual Conference and the ACC Tournament mascots to Washington, DC. Staff highlights included celebrating our March staff milestone anniversaries and recaps of our Sustainability Summit and Operation Cherry Pie. Our channels also highlighted the National Cherry Blossom Festival with beautiful shots of the blossoms. Member Spotlights featured Morton Fine Art, Bailiwick Clothing, PLANTA, Andrew Roby Events, Mahogany Yacht Charters, Clyde’s Restaurant Group and Alamo Drafthouse Cinema.
Partner Content