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With a whopping 91% bounce-back in domestic tourism since the pandemic’s start, Washington, DC, is taking the world by storm. The capital’s impressive stride is powered by the 21.9 million souls that graced its historic streets last year, showing a promising revival. With the forthcoming launch of their vibrant global advertising initiative, “There’s Only One DC”, on November 1st, the city is setting the bar even higher.

A detailed analysis reveals a heartening 279% year-on-year surge in international visitors, culminating in a staggering 1.2 million tourists in 2022 alone. These globe-trotters don’t just wander; they splurge, accounting for 27% of the total tourism spending. Some key contributors hail from Australia, the UK, Germany, Canada, and other major countries.

Elliott L. Ferguson, II, the astute president and CEO of Destination DC (DDC), highlighted this resurgence at the annual Marketing Outlook Meeting. Rubbing shoulders with the city’s decision-makers, he outlined the continued path of recovery and dominance. His goal? Elevate the brand awareness of Washington, DC, even higher with the fresh “There’s Only One DC” mission. “Our goal is to captivate the international audience, to reintroduce them to the wonders of DC. This campaign, a love letter to our international partners, is an integral part of this strategy,” Ferguson remarked.

DC is undeniably unique, hosting landmarks such as the White House, Ben’s Chili Bowl, Cedar Hill, and countless others that nowhere else in the world can offer. Mayor Muriel Bowser eloquently said, “This is a place where history meets the vibrant pulse of the 700,000 Washingtonians, a place unparalleled and unmatched.”

Robin A. McClain, DDC’s chief marketing officer, echoes this sentiment. “‘There’s Only One DC’ is our bold statement to the world, and our research assures us it’s one that will resonate.”

But what’s the secret sauce? Apart from the monumental attractions, Washington, DC’s dynamic culinary scene is leaving an indelible mark. The city is bursting with Michelin-starred eateries, iconic chefs, and groundbreaking mixologists. Combine this with the expansion of 19 novel hotels, and DC is positioning itself as the epitome of luxury and culture.

Major city events, such as Theatre Week and the World Culture Festival, further embellish the city’s profile. And with the grand reopening of the National Museum of Women in the Arts this fall, tourists have yet another reason to flock.

Another feather in DC’s cap is the innovative connection of the campaign to washington.org. With new, streamlined booking options and the visionary use of the travel tech platform Ripe, booking a DC adventure has never been easier. And to amplify this message? An evocative launch video resonating with the voice of the legendary Virginia Ali, offering viewers a sneak peek into 30 unique DC locales.

In a nutshell, with tourism numbers skyrocketing and DC leading the charge in year-over-year growth at 31.5%, the future looks promising. The city’s unyielding spirit, combined with the sensational “There’s Only One DC” campaign, is set to etch Washington, DC, on the global map like never before.