While the excitement and positivity continues on the IPW conference floor, and delegates are united by a common goal to grow international travel to the US—there was one topic that was largely off the table, until now.
Destination DC president and ceo Elliott Ferguson (pictured) addressed the figurative ‘elephant in the room’ today. In a press conference to update the media on the district’s new events, product and hotels, Ferguson also acknowledged the pressure the US tourism industry is currently under. “700,00 people live in [Washington] DC but a few hundred lawmakers make decisions that impact us all,” said Ferguson. “We are aware the rhetoric is strong, overwhelming and confusing for many, and many people based on their conscience do not want to visit the nation’s capital. We understand but want you to feel welcome; there are so many positive reasons to share in DC…” When reminded of the drop in international arrivals into the US, Ferguson addressed this with a calm resolve. As a travel industry operator himself, he recounted when he was in Paris in Sept 2001 and still felt safe to still travel. He told the media that he accepts reservations about travel to the US at the moment, that he hopes that it doesn’t stop people sharing the joys of travel. “Visitors will feel the warm welcome locally,” he told the media, adding that ensuring visitors feel safe from the time they arrive at the airport is important.
. . . DC Value
And the good news for the exchange rate-challenged Kiwi traveller is that DC is a great value-for-money option, with a huge number of internationally-renown museums offering free (but sometimes pre-booked) entry, along with a vibrant and diverse culture and food thanks to its truly multi-cultural population. It’s also easy to walk or e-bike between many of the attractions.
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