Destination DC (DDC) has recently announced the expansion of its Washington, DC Special Agent Academy, aimed at providing comprehensive training to travel agents, tour operators, and local hospitality workers. The goal is to equip them with the necessary knowledge and tools to effectively promote and sell Washington, DC as a top travel destination.
The training program offers a unique blend of core city information along with detailed insights into the vibrant neighborhoods, festivals, and landmarks that make DC special. Upon successful completion of missions, participants will earn the title of certified ‘Special Agents’ and gain access to exclusive discounts, the chance to win exciting prizes, and valuable support from Destination DC’s Tourism, Sports, and Visitor Experience team. To enroll in the program, interested individuals can visit washington.org/traveltrade/special-agent-academy.
Currently available in English, the Washington, DC Special Agent Academy modules will soon be translated into seven additional languages to cater to an international audience. This initiative aligns with DDC’s efforts to boost international visitation and raise awareness of Washington, DC as a global travel destination.
Elliott L. Ferguson, II, President and CEO of Destination DC, emphasized the importance of showcasing the uniqueness of Washington, DC to both consumers and hospitality professionals. The training tools provided will help enhance the city’s image and perception, ultimately setting it apart and attracting more global visitors.
The program is hosted on a user-friendly Learning Management System (LMS) platform called LearnUpon. In addition to the existing English modules, the program will soon offer translations in Spanish, Portuguese, Mandarin, Korean, Japanese, French, and German.
Participants can currently access the first three core modules, which cover essential information about missions, landmarks, and the distinctiveness of Washington, DC. In the future, Destination DC plans to introduce more modules focusing on sports, festivals, group tours, the Capital Region USA, and MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions).
Ferguson highlighted that the knowledge gained through the Special Agent Academy will not only benefit individuals in the travel and hospitality sectors but also enhance the overall visitor experience in Washington, DC. He expressed excitement about sharing the city’s exceptional arts, culture, culinary offerings, and accommodations with a global audience.