Destination DC (DDC), the official destination marketing organization for Washington, DC, has expanded its training platform designed to equip travel agents, tour operators and local hospitality workers with the essential knowledge and tools to effectively promote and sell Washington, DC as a premier travel destination.
The Washington, DC Special Agent Academy offers destination training that combines core city information with in-depth insights into DC’s vibrant neighbourhoods, festivals and unique landmarks. By completing designated missions, participants will become certified ‘Special Agents,’ gaining access to exclusive discounts, the opportunity to win exciting prizes and access to valuable support from Destination DC’s Tourism, Sports and Visitor Experience team. To sign up for the program, visit washington.org/traveltrade/special-agent-academy.
The Washington, DC Special Agent Academy modules are currently complete in the English language and will be presented in seven additional languages over the next few months to support DDC’s efforts to grow international visitation and increase awareness of the nation’s capital for a global audience.
“We know there’s Only One Washington, DC, and we want to share that message with consumers and hospitality professionals,” said Elliott L. Ferguson, II, President and CEO of Destination DC. “The training tools will help us enhance the knowledge, image and perception of Washington, DC as we focus on growing DC’s global visitor market share and set our city apart.”
The program is available on a new Learning Management System (LMS) platform called LearnUpon, which is notable for its ease of use. Available now in English, the modules will be translated into seven different languages: Spanish, Portuguese, Mandarin, Korean, Japanese, French and German.
As part of the initial offering, participants can access the first three core modules:
- Mission Information
- Mission 3M’s: Monuments, Memorials and Museums
- Mission There’s Only 1 DC
By the end of the year, Destination DC will introduce additional modules including:
- Sports & Festivals
- Group Tour
- Capital Region USA
- MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences and Exhibitions)
“The knowledge gained through the Special Agent Academy will not only enhance the skills of those in the travel and hospitality sectors but also enrich the overall visitor experience in Washington, DC,” added Ferguson. “Our city is filled with extraordinary arts, culture, culinary delights and accommodations, and we’re excited to share them with the world.”