Destination DC recently concluded a sales mission in India from February 25 to 29 across Mumbai and Delhi to promote its new campaign ‘Only one Washington, DC.’ The successful events paved way for DDC to announce more such roadshows across India, one of its top source markets.

With a goal to grow the Indian visitation, Destination DC (DDC), the official destination marketing organisation for Washington DC, recently conducted a sales mission in India from February 25 to 29 with their new campaign ‘Only one Washington, DC’. 

The delegation, led by Elliott L Ferguson II, CEO and President of Destination DC, visited Mumbai and Delhi, the leading markets for inbound tourism in Washington DC from India.

In a press statement, Destination DC says that it engaged with the Indian travel trade and media by organising one-on-one meetings and VIP events to promote upcoming, as well as traditional attractions of the US-capital.

DDC’s campaign ‘Only one Washington, DC’ showcases Washington, DC as the only city the world that can provide an experience as multifaceted as it does, be it world-class dining at 25 Michelin-starred restaurants with authentically global cuisines, including Indian restaurant, Rania, or free visits to world-renowned Smithsonian museums which have everything from a giant African elephant to the Hope Diamond to Prince’s guitar.

The board adds that India ranks at number four among the overseas markets for Washington, DC, with over 147,000 visitors in 2023. Notably, there has been a 54 pc increase over 2022 and in 2023, 147,562 Indian travellers visited DC, reflecting a 54 pc increase over 2022.

The board says that leading the recovery in 2023, Indian visits were 11 pc higher 2019 levels and growth is expected to continue at a similar pace in 2024, with India leading DC markets in growth since the pandemic. The US processed more visas than ever before in India in 2023 at over 1.4 million visas, reducing wait times by 75 pc.

“We have received a remarkable response from the travel trade and media which clearly proves that India is a key market for us. Our dedicated visits to various markets help us showcase our latest products and the variety that DC has to offer visitors. Currently, some travellers still tend to equate Washington, DC solely with politics, which is why we implemented our #Only1DC campaign, to share our diverse and cultured experiences beyond the US government,” says Ferguson.

The board says that its top source cities in India are Tier I metro cities like Mumbai, Delhi, Gujarat and Bangalore while there is also notable increase in interest from Tier II cities. DDC says that its main segment of leisure travellers are both new and VFR along with student traffic.

In terms of market investments, DDC says it is strengthening relationships with trade partners by including them in marketing campaigns. Indiva Marketing, Destination DC’s official representation in India will be organising multiple roadshows after this successful mission in major markets across the country such as Bangalore, Chennai, Hyderabad, Pune followed by more cities.

DDC adds that it has planned USD 9.6 billion in development underway in Washington DC Economic Partnership. There will also be 16 new or renovated hotels in the pipeline, adding over 3,500 rooms.

Ferguson highlighted that DC is focussing on sustainable tourism initiatives and will continue to do so. According to the US Green Building Council (USGBC), Washington DC is the 1st LEED Platinum City in the World. In 2023 and 2022, it ranked in the top for its parks system in the country by the Trust for Public Land.