Destination DC Launches DEI Content Hub

Washington, DC – Destination DC (DDC) has launched The DEI District, a content hub to help showcase Washington, DC as a global destination that promotes and validates diversity, equity and inclusion. Through the content, locals, visitors, groups, business event strategists and meeting attendees learn more about DC’s diverse make up, how to support local businesses and create a lasting impact in DC. The section is introduced with an audio message from DDC president and CEO, Elliott L. Ferguson, II. 

“Travel broadens people’s perspectives, and I’ve learned that we relate better to each other when we are in different environments. Washington, DC is home to a variety of cultures, races and backgrounds that embody its character and identity. With more than 180 embassies in our city, our communities represent people from around the world and as the official destination marketing organization for the city, we are committed to breaking down some of the barriers that separate us culturally. I invite travelers to take advantage of their time in the city to embrace and learn about other cultures,” said Ferguson.  

According to Destination Analysts, 52 percent of typical travelers are likely to support businesses that they believe make a positive social impact.

“Based on DC’s history, experiences and expertise within diversity, equity and inclusion, we have the unique opportunity to reach consumers through our marketing and editorial channels,” said Robin A. McClain, DDC’s senior vice president, marketing and communications. “The new content connects those interested in learning more about history, or supporting minority owned businesses or creating positive community change through meetings and events, with the resources only found in the nation’s capital.” 

The DEI District aims to empower several audiences through four sections of content:

• Visit: Visitors can discover what makes DC such an inclusive city and how to experience its local history, culture and community. From discovering DC’s official music genre, go-go, to boutique shopping or supporting Black, women and immigrant-owned restaurants, there are numerous ways to engage with the vibrant heartbeat of the nation’s capital.

• Learn: Educators, youth and others can learn from the city’s robust history as a gathering place for groups who have fought for their rights and freedoms. This journey can continue with substantive educational resources from DC-based institutions including the National Museum of African American History and Culture, the National Museum of Women in the Arts and many others.

• Meet: Event planners can discover unique venues such as women-owned hotels, active community hubs and sustainable spaces. Leading corporate social responsibility programming creates a natural alignment with an organization’s social impact goals. Meetings professionals can understand DC’s commitment to diversity and create lasting change in Washington, DC beyond the immediate economic impact of their event.

• Engage: Locals and visitors alike can engage with the city by donating their time and money to local charitable organizations serving the DC community. From joining a neighborhood river clean-up to enriching the lives of DC youth with educational opportunities, there are numerous opportunities to give back.

For more information on The DEI District, including DDC’s efforts to further DEI within the tourism and hospitality industry, please visit washington.org/dei.

About Destination DC: Destination DC, the official destination marketing organization for the nation’s capital, is a private, non-profit membership organization committed to marketing the area as a premier global convention, tourism and special events destination with a special emphasis on the arts, cultural and historic communities. washington.org

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