Destination DC (DDC), the official destination marketing organisation for Washington, DC, embarked on a dynamic sales mission in India from February 25 to 29, showcasing its vibrant ‘Only one Washington, DC’ campaign. Led by Elliott L Ferguson II, CEO and President of Destination DC, the delegation visited Mumbai and Delhi, the primary markets for inbound tourism in Washington, DC from India.
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 highlight the diverse offerings of Washington, DC, ranging from new and upcoming attractions to historic and iconic landmarks. India currently ranks as the fourth-largest overseas market for Washington, DC.
Ferguson expressed his enthusiasm for the Indian market, stating, “India is a key market for us, and we are thrilled with the remarkable response from the travel trade and media. Our #Only1DC campaign aims to dispel the misconception of Washington, DC solely as a political hub and showcase its multifaceted experiences.” He emphasized Washington, DC’s leadership in sustainable tourism initiatives, highlighting its status as the world’s first LEED Platinum City, as recognised by the US Green Building Council.
The ‘Only one Washington, DC’ campaign underscores the city’s uniqueness, offering a plethora of experiences unmatched elsewhere. From world-class dining at 25 Michelin-starred restaurants to free visits to Smithsonian museums housing extraordinary exhibits, including an Indian restaurant, Rania, and iconic landmarks such as the National Mall, Washington, DC offers something for every traveller.
Destination DC’s official representation in India, Indiva Marketing, plans to organise roadshows in major Indian markets such as Bangalore, Chennai, Hyderabad, and Pune following the success of the recent sales mission. These initiatives aim to further promote Washington, DC as a must-visit destination for travellers seeking a blend of history, culture, culinary delights, and outdoor adventures.
As Holi and Good Friday align just a few days apart in March, Indian travellers are gearing up for an extended break, according to insights from digital travel platform Agoda. Analysing search data, Agoda found Dubai to be the top international destination, while Goa emerged as the most sought-after domestic destination for the upcoming holidays.
