“The United States of America is a vast country with a so much to explore, and Washington, DC represents the heart of it, both culturally in its diversity, and physically as its capital.” said Elliott Ferguson, Destination DC President and CEO.
Q. Tell us about the Tourism Sustainability Strategies and Trends in Washington, DC.
Washington, DC, the nation's capital, passed the Clean Energy DC Act in 2018, which is the nation’s first 100 percent renewable energy bill and the most aggressive, fastest-acting climate change legislation in the country. We have also built a path toward greener travel with more LEED-certified buildings than any other city in the U.S., and an accessible environment where every government building is powered by renewable energy. Whether you’re a leisure traveler, event planner or group tour operator, you can find sustainable businesses for your next trip, as well as useful travel tips at our DC Sustainability Guide on washington.org.
Q. What are your expectations for the current year from India?
Prior to the pandemic, India was DC’s third largest overseas visitor market with significant potential. Washington, DC received over 132,000 Indian visitors in 2019, which unfortunately fell about 95% in 2020 when the pandemic hit. As per our latest data (February 2022), India recovery is forecasted for a competitive growth outlook in 2023.
Q. What is the average length of stay recommended for the first-time traveler from India to Washington, DC and what range of experiences can one expect during their stay?
Many Indian travelers choose DC as their homebase during their trip to the U.S. Visitors to DC this summer will experience the return of in-person, outdoor festivals, like the Smithsonian Folklife Festival, concentrating on earth optimism, multiple new hotels including The Morrow Hotel, a luxury boutique venue part of the Hilton’s Curio Collection, and Michelin-starred restaurants with DC’s best-known free monuments, memorials and museums.
Q. Are there any differences between your marketing strategy for India, and other Asian markets?
India is its own unique market, and we approach it as such when it comes to strategy. In 2017, Destination DC hired Indiva Marketing, a firm based in Mumbai that represents Washington, DC across public relations and travel trade. They assist us in identifying Indian-specific trends and producing products and sharing stories that resonate with the Indian traveler.
Q. Comment on vaccination and quarantine rules in Washington, DC for Indians.
Starting November 8, 2021, vaccinated international travelers were welcomed back to the United States and Washington, DC. As of April 2022, all non-U.S. citizens and non-U.S. immigrant air travelers must be fully vaccinatedand provide proof of vaccination prior to boarding air travel to the U.S. Accepted vaccines must be approved or authorized by the FDA of World Health Organization. Travelers are required to show a negative COVID-19 test result or documentation of recovery from COVID-19 when traveling to the U.S. by air – the timing of this test depends on the traveler’s vaccination status and age. Potential visitors can find the latest U.S. international travel guidance at washington.org.
Q. Any recommendation for Indian travelers
The nation’s capital is an international hub, where both visitors and residents hail from all corners of the globe. Washington, DC consists of a lively mix of cultures and peoples, and the city is host to embassies that represent more than 175 countries. We warmly welcome visitors from India and around the world to experience our must-see museums, distinctive arts and culture scene, free things to do, exciting events and unique local culture. We know you’ll feel right at home here in DC.