June 25, 2008

FROM THE PRESIDENT
Read on for highlights from the Downtown BID's annual report, plus hot deals from the District's eateries and the Kennedy Center.

Downtown DC Sustains Robust Economy in Face of Economic Crunch
Despite high gas prices and economic financial issues, the Downtown BID's (Business Improvement District) 2007 State of Downtown Report reveals that the downtown DC economy has remained remarkably healthy.To view the press release, click here.

The District is the Fourth Fittest City in the Nation
The American College of Sports Medicine recently revealed that Washington, DC ranks fourth on its list of America's Fittest Cities.The study examined the country's largest metropolitan areas on factors such as parkland, the number of smokers and whether people are likely to eat fruits and vegetables.Click here to learn more.

June Hotel Occupany Reports Shows Pleasing Numbers
DC's hotel occupancy rate for the week ending June 14 was 80.9%, ahead of the U.S. average of 68.2%. The average daily rate was $214.39, compared to the national average of $106.48 and the revenue per available room was $173.36.

The city's hotel occupancy rate for the week ending June 21 was 81.6%, outpacing the U.S. average of 71.4%. The average daily rate was $213.29, compared to the national average of $107.52. The revenue per available room was $174.06.

Members Receive Discount for Women of Faith Event
Destination DC members are eligible for a $10 discount off the cost of registration for the Women of Faith's Infinite Grace Conference taking place at the Verizon Center July 11-12. Register by calling 1-888-49-FAITH or in person and mention you're a member of Destination DC to receive the discount. Click here for event details.

American Express Offers Chance to Make DC Greener
Destination DC members now have the opportunity to participate in the earth-friendly American Express Grassroots Merchant Challenge. American Express® has teamed up with Casey Trees for the campaign, which benefits local urban tree planting programs.Establishments that participate must be a brick and mortar, consumer-facing business, such as a restaurant, retailer or entertainment venue.Each transaction on any American Express® Card at your establishment between Sept. 5 and Oct. 15 will count as one "vote" for DC. The city with the most "votes" will receive the largest share of the total one million dollar donation.Help us make DC more green– click here to enroll in the program.Contact Damelia Shaw at (202) 789-7052 or Damelia.Shaw@destinationdc.com with questions.

Destination Planning Guide Updates Underway
Log on to the Member Extranet to update your company listing for the 2008-2009 Destination Planning Guide at members.washington.org. The deadline to enter all updates is July 11. Contact Bela Saini at bela.saini@destinationdc.com with questions. For advertising sales, contact Ellen Levin at ellen.levin@navteq.com.

Staten Island Advance (online): More road trips despite higher gas prices
June 13, 2008

Houston Chronicle: The summer's best deals are stateside
June 15, 2008, Impressions: 677,425

The Washington Post: Weak Dollar Lets Foreign Tourists Spend Big in D.C.
June 16, 2008, Impressions: 673,180

WTOPnews.com: Entertainment - on the cheap
June 18, 2008, Impressions: 273,343

American Heritage: America's Top 25 Heritage Sites
July 2008, Impressions: 300,000

June 25-28: Association of Pakistani Physicians of North America
Annual Convention
Marriott Wardman Park
Attendance: 1,000, Peak Rooms: 1,100

July 1-5: National Education Association
Annual Meeting
Walter E. Washington Convention Center
Attendance: 17,000, Peak Rooms: 7,822

Newseum Debuts Display of Top Cases from FBI's First 100 Years
Now on view at the Newseum,G-Men and Journalists: Top News Stories of the FBI's First Century spotlights high profile cases from the FBI's first 100 years.The exhibition explores the role of the media in shaping the bureau's image and the unique relationship between the press and the FBI.Click here to learn more.

DC Caribbean Carnival Colors the City
The District plays host to the 16th annual Caribbean Carnival this weekend, featuring Caribbean food and crafts, vibrant costumes and live entertainment. Colorful bands entertain spectators along Georgia Avenue, from Missouri Avenue to Barry Place during the parade on June 28. The De Savannah Concert takes place on June 29.

Smithsonian Folklife Festival Kicks off Today
Taking place June 25-29 and July 2-6, the annual celebration of cultural diversity features music, dancing, crafts and demonstrations exploring different cultures throughout the world. The 2008 Smithsonian Folklife Festivalwill focus on the nation of Bhutan, the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), which celebrates its 50th anniversary this year, and Texas in the Deep South.

The District Lights Up on July 4th
In America's Independence Day Parade, more than 100 marching units step out at noon along Constitution Avenue. Live entertainment continues throughout the afternoon. A concert featuring the National Symphony Orchestra and well-known performing artists begins at 8pm, culminating in a fireworks show starting at approximately 9:20pm. Click here for details.

DC's Best Restaurants Honored at RAMMY Awards Gala
The 26th Annual RAMMY Restaurant Awards Gala will take place on June 29 at the Marriott Wardman Park hotel.Organized by the Restaurant Association Metropolitan Washington (RAMW), the event is one of the area's most anticipated and glamorous evenings when its members and the many extraordinary professionals in DC's culinary scene are recognized. Stay tuned to find out the winners.

DC Piques Interest of National and International Journalists
Last week, Destination DC's PR teams hosted journalists from the UK newspaper, The Sunday Times, and GOOD Magazine.

Bill Hanbury Invited to Speak at ECEF Event
On June 19, Bill Hanbury delivered a speech to attendees at the Exhibition & Convention Executives Forum, an elite group of executives who own, produce and manage exhibitions and conventions.

Tourism team Represents DC in International Market
On June 18, Theresa Belpulsi traveled to Toronto, Canada for IGLTA's (International Gay and Lesbian Travel Association) summer board meeting.

Letizia Sirtori traveled to Buenos Aires, Argentina June 18-20 to meet with major tour operators and key travel representatives.

Power List: Who's New & Notable

• Julie Peterson is the new Director of Sales and Marketing for both Ritz-Carlton properties in DC.
• Aaron Riggins of the Destination DC tourism team was named one of DC's "Top 30 Under 30" in Washington Blade.
• Eric Ziebold of CityZen received the "Best Chef: Mid-Atlantic" award by the James Beard Foundation.
• Jose Andres won Bravo's award for "A-List Chef."
• Executive Chef/Owner Michel Richard's newest establishment, Central Michel Richard, won the 2008 James Beard award for Best New Restaurant.
• Curtis Allred is the new General Manager for PS7's.
• Kimpton Hotels and Restaurant Group was named one of the Top 50 Best Places to Work in Greater Washington by the Washington Business Journal.
  
  New Hotel General Managers:

• Brett Blass - The Donovan House
• Walter Brindell - Park Hyatt Washington
• Ann Peterson – Onmi Shoreham
• Christian Clerc - Four Seasons Hotel
• Joe Gianno - Latham Hotels
• James Keely - Homewood Suites by Hilton
• Rick Legal - The District Hotel
• Albert Montone - Courtyard by Marriott