Destination DC (DDC) successfully concluded its annual sales mission to India, held from 2-7 August 2026 across Delhi, Bengaluru and Ahmedabad. The multi-city engagement reinforced Destination DC’s commitment to the Indian market by bringing together leading travel trade partners and media to showcase the latest experiences, attractions and developments in the U.S. capital.
India remains one of Washington, DC’s most important international markets. It ranked first in visitor spending for two consecutive years, in 2024 and 2025, and is currently projected to retain that position in 2026. India was also Washington, DC’s second-largest international market by visitation in 2025, behind only Canada.
Throughout the mission, Destination DC hosted a series of engaging fireside chat sessions, destination inspired activations and networking lunches and dinners, creating valuable opportunities to connect with travel advisors, tour operators and media representatives. Attendees also participated in interactive experiences including a mixology workshop in Delhi, an exciting Washington, DC museum inspired immersive game in Bangalore, and a traditional block-printing activity in Ahmedabad, each designed to bring different facets of the destination to life. The sessions witnessed enthusiastic participation and fostered meaningful conversations around Washington, DC’s diverse experiences, further strengthening relationships with key stakeholders across India’s growing outbound travel market.
A key focus of this year’s mission was introducing the National Geographic Museum of Exploration, one of Washington, DC’s newest cultural attractions. The delegation also shared updates on the city’s dynamic hospitality scene, world-renowned museums, vibrant culinary landscape, distinctive neighbourhood experiences and year-round calendar of events, further reinforcing Washington, DC’s appeal beyond its iconic monuments and political landmarks.
The Destination DC team was also joined by The Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority (MWAA), in Delhi to engage with airline partners and strengthen air connectivity from India to Dulles International Airport. The city is looking forward to the airport’s upcoming extensive renovations that will increase international arrival gates and improve traveller experience.
Reflecting on the mission and her meetings with travel trade partners and media across the three cities, Letizia Sirtori, Vice President, Tourism and Global Development at Destination DC, said: “One of the most rewarding aspects of this mission was experiencing the meaningful parallels between each city and Washington, DC. Delhi’s emphasis on green spaces reflects our own city’s abundance of parks, gardens and outdoor experiences, while Bengaluru’s vibrant coffee community resonates with Washington, DC’s thriving café culture and community of independent coffee shops and roasters. In Ahmedabad, our conversations highlighted the strong cultural ties created by Metropolitan Washington’s large, active and well-connected Gujarati community, including its own Gujarati Samaj.”
During her engagements with Ahmedabad’s travel trade and media, Sirtori also emphasized the importance of investing in the city’s growing outbound travel market. “It was important for us to visit Ahmedabad as we expand our focus beyond India’s largest gateway cities. We are seeing increased international travel from India’s Tier 2 cities, and the potential of these markets is undeniable. Washington, DC is well positioned to meet the preferences of Gujarati travellers, with an extensive range of vegetarian dining options, alcohol-free bars and some of the finest Indian restaurants in the United States. These familiar points of connection can help visitors feel at home while discovering something new in Washington, DC.”
Commenting on the importance of the Indian market to Washington, DC, Elliott L. Ferguson II, President and CEO of Destination DC, said: “India continues to be one of our most valued international markets, and missions such as this strengthen the partnerships that help us welcome more Indian travellers to Washington, DC. By engaging directly with travel trade partners and media, our team can share the new experiences that reflect how the city continues to evolve. From cultural attractions and exceptional dining to vibrant neighbourhoods and unforgettable events, Washington, DC offers experiences that resonate with today’s Indian traveller, and we look forward to welcoming even more visitors in the years ahead.”
The mission welcomed over 120 travel trade professionals and media representatives across the three cities, providing a platform to strengthen existing partnerships, share destination updates and explore new opportunities to drive visitor growth from India. It also underscored Washington, DC’s position as a destination that seamlessly blends history, culture, art, gastronomy and outdoor experiences. From its free Smithsonian museums and renowned performing arts scene to Michelin-starred restaurants, waterfront districts and diverse neighbourhoods, the city continues to offer visitors an ever-evolving destination with something new to discover on every visit.
Destination DC remains committed to strengthening its presence in India and will continue collaborating closely with the travel trade and media to inspire more Indian travellers to experience the many facets of the U.S. capital.
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