Destination DC (DDC), the official destination marketing organization for Washington, DC, launched its Global Travel Agent Training Program (TAAP) titled ‘Washington, DC Special Agent Academy’ recently.
It is an online-based program designed to train and engage with travel agents in the U.S. and around the world who are interested in becoming Washington, DC experts. As a DC special agent, travel professionals will be better prepared to sell the nation’s capital and its unique offerings to their customers. Agents will also be able to better match travelers’ special interests and travel styles with a personalized DC experience.
The Washington, DC Special Agent Academy has launched in Australia, New Zealand, United Kingdom, India, France and Germany, reaching more than 30,000 agents. The mandarin version of the program is scheduled to launch later this year for China, DC’s top overseas market.
The program’s initial rollout consists of three courses, or “operations,” with several missions covering a variety of topics. The first operation covers the city’s captivating monuments, memorials, museums and historic neighborhoods. Later operations dive deeper, covering sports, dining, educational tours and the unique offerings available in the greater Capital Region.
According to Travel Market Insights, National Travel & Tourism Office and the U.S. Department of Commerce, in 2018, 16 percent of overseas visitors to Washington, DC received information for their upcoming trip from a travel agency, while 9 percent worked with a tour operator or travel club.
“Travel agents play a huge role in inspiring potential visitors to Washington, DC, which is why additional education will benefit the destination,” says Elliott L. Ferguson, II, president & CEO of DDC. “As travel agents around the world prepare for the return of flights and travel once the COVID-19 pandemic subsides, now is the perfect time to learn more about why travelers should add Washington, DC to their itinerary when returning to the U.S.”
Certified agents will receive a digital certificate and badge, be entered in monthly giveaways for DC memorabilia and can enter to win a slot on an upcoming familiarization tour.
