Destination DC launches Double 11 promotion with Tuniu and Wechat

Destination DC, the official destination marketing organization for Washington, DC, today announced the Double 11 promotion to attract more Chinese travelers during the 2020 Chinese New Year. Partnering with leading Chinese tour operator, Tuniu, and China’s leading social media channel, WeChat, customers can purchase Washington, DC travel products on Tuniu.com from Nov. 11-16 for travel dates Jan. 6 – Feb. 15, 2020.

“With an eight percent market share of China’s visitors to the U.S., one out of every 13 Chinese visitors to the U.S. visited Washington, DC in 2018, many through nonstop flights from Beijing and Hong Kong” said Elliott L. Ferguson II, president and CEO of Destination DC. “Chinese visitors are welcomed in Washington, DC by a variety of businesses, from hotels and restaurants to boutiques and cultural institutions, all dedicated to making their stay memorable.”

China continues to be DC’s strongest market with 226,000 Chinese visitors in 2018. With length of stay up 27 percent and room nights up 72 percent, DDC continues to leverage in-market representation with SinoMedia to maintain a strong market presence.

“Washington, DC is home to an incredible dining scene, state-of-the-art attractions, charming neighborhoods and dynamic only-in-DC events,” said Theresa Belpulsi, vice president of tourism, sports and visitor services of Destination DC. “We will continue to plan different marketing activities with key trade partners to increase our market awareness in our top overseas market.”

The Double 11 promotion features a wide range of DC area hotels including international luxury and local boutique hotels, offering multiple options for travelers to plan their trips. The seven participating hotels include the Beacon Hotel & Corporate Quarters, Churchill Hotel Near Embassy Row, Four Seasons Hotel Washington, DC, Hyatt Place Washington DC/White House, Kimpton Glover Park Hotel, Kimpton Hotel Palomar Washington, DC and Lansdowne Resort and Spa. Visitors to the nation’s capital can explore world-class cultural events, a vibrant and delicious dining scene and museums packed with history and interactive exhibits.

In 2018, DDC became the first destination marketing organization (DMO) in the United States to officially partner with WeChat following the launch of the platform’s first City Experience Mini Program in the U.S. In July 2018, DDC became the first DMO in the world to expand the program with coupons – providing discounts for major attractions around the region.

Two years ago, DDC launched Welcome China, the organization’s multi-point certification program for its members including hotels, restaurants, attractions, transportation and retailers. By providing education on Chinese customs, DDC strives to make Chinese leisure and business visitors feel at home while in the city. All the hotels participating in the Double 11 promotion are Welcome China certified, offering amenities like Chinese language materials, Chinese breakfast, Chinese language TV channels and newspapers, and slippers in the room.

In the year ahead, DDC delegates will travel to China to host its annual sales and media mission. The visit will include a first-time consumer event in Beijing, a repeat visit to Chengdu to meet with tour operators and trade media, and a first-time visit to Hangzhou to promote DC’s new tourism offerings.