Leading with their new ‘Only one Washington, DC’ campaign, Destination DC (DDC), the official destination marketing organization for Washington, DC, conducted a sales mission in India from February 25 to 29. The delegation, including the CEO and President of Destination DC, Elliott L. Ferguson II visited Mumbai and Delhi, the leading markets for inbound tourism in Washington, DC from India.

Destination DC engaged with the Indian travel trade and media by organizing one-on-one meetings and VIP events to promote what’s new and upcoming, as well as what is historic and iconic in the famed capital city of the USA. India ranks at number four among the overseas markets for Washington, DC. Elliott L. Ferguson, II was thrilled to be back in the market and said, “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 travelers 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 U.S. government.” Mr. Ferguson II also conveyed that DC was leading the way in sustainable tourism initiatives and will continue to do so. According to the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC), Washington, DC is the 1st LEED Platinum City in the World. In 2023 and 2022, Washington, DC was ranked #1 for its parks system in the country by the Trust for Public Land.

DDC recently launched their new ‘Only one Washington, DC’ campaign which 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. A city on two rivers, DC also boasts waterfront activities like kayaking, canoeing, and paddle-boarding with Boating in DC, as well as massive greenspaces, the United States Botanic Garden, and the famous Rock Creek Park – twice the size of Central Park in New York City. On top of everything, DC’s historical relevance is unmissable to the visitors because of its iconic memorials and monuments on display at the National Mall. The message was clearly communicated to key Indian travel agents and DMCs as well as the Indian media that DC is the place for travelers who are interested in witnessing glorious architecture and experiencing exquisite culinary options, waterfront activities and tasteful art and culture of historic flavor.

Indiva Marketing, Destination DC’s official representation in India will be organizing multiple roadshows after this successful mission in major markets across the country such as Bangalore, Chennai, Hyderabad, Pune followed by more cities.