TBM Staff - Mumbai
Guided by their innovative ‘Only one Washington, DC’ campaign, Destination DC (DDC), the official destination marketing organisation for Washington, DC, conducted a sales mission in India from Feb 25 to 29. The delegation, led by Elliott L. Ferguson II, the CEO and President of Destination DC, visited Mumbai and Delhi, the primary markets for inbound tourism from India to Washington, DC.
During the mission, Destination DC actively engaged with the Indian travel trade and media through one-on-one meetings and VIP events. The objective was to promote the latest attractions and upcoming highlights, as well as showcase the historical and iconic aspects of the renowned capital city of the USA. India currently stands as the fourth-largest overseas market for Washington, DC. Elliott L. Ferguson II expressed his excitement about the positive response received from the travel trade and media, emphasising India’s significance as a key market for them. He shared, “Our dedicated visits to various markets help us showcase our latest products and the variety that DC has to offer visitors. Our #Only1DC campaign aims to dispel the perception of Washington, DC solely being associated with politics, highlighting our diverse and cultured experiences beyond the U.S. government.”
Furthermore, Ferguson II highlighted Washington, DC’s leadership in sustainable tourism initiatives, noting its distinction as the first LEED Platinum City in the World according to the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC). Additionally, he mentioned that Washington, DC was ranked #1 for its parks system in the country in 2023 and 2022 by the Trust for Public Land.
DDC recently launched the ‘Only one Washington, DC’ campaign, positioning the city as the sole destination worldwide that offers a multifaceted experience. The campaign highlights attractions such as 25 Michelin-starred restaurants with diverse global cuisines, including the Indian restaurant Rania, as well as free visits to renowned Smithsonian museums. The city, situated on two rivers, offers waterfront activities like kayaking, canoeing, and paddle-boarding with Boating in DC, along with expansive greenspaces like the United States Botanic Garden and the famous Rock Creek Park – twice the size of Central Park in New York City. DC’s historical significance is underscored by its iconic memorials and monuments on display at the National Mall. The key message conveyed to Indian travel agents, DMCs, and media is that DC is the ideal destination for travelers seeking glorious architecture, exquisite culinary options, waterfront activities, and tasteful art and culture with a historic flair.
Following the mission, Indiva Marketing, Destination DC’s official representation in India, will organise multiple roadshows in major markets across the country, including Bangalore, Chennai, Hyderabad, Pune, and more cities.
