DC is Open: Destination DC relaunches campaign to generate visitation amidst government shutdown

WASHINGTON, DC - In preparation for questions from potential visitors, Destination DC (DDC), the official destination marketing organization for the nation's capital, is proactively relaunching its "DC is Open" campaign. The purpose is to amplify the message that despite the federal government shutdown, the city is open and continues to welcome business and leisure travelers.

"We acknowledge the false perception that when the federal government shuts down, DC does too. We want visitors to know most of DC's attractions and experiences actually remain open," said Elliott L. Ferguson, II, president and CEO, DDC. "Fall is a busy season for convention and leisure travel, so we're spreading the word that visitors can still enjoy iconic attractions, stay in our incredible hotels, dine in our acclaimed restaurants and experience theater, sports, nightlife, arts and cultural events."

Tourism is crucial to DC's economy. A record 27.2 million people visited the nation's capital in 2024, spending $11.4 billion, resulting in $2.3 billion in tax revenue and supporting 111,500 jobs. As a result, thanks to tourism, each DC household saves $3,608 in taxes, according to MMGY Travel Intelligence, S&P Global Market Intelligence, the National Travel and Tourism Office and the U.S. Department of Commerce. Visitation data for 2025 is expected to be released in May 2026.

Prospective visitors can find the latest information and timely deals at washington.org/dcisopen, as well as a list of more than 100 unaffected places to go and things to see and do. Advertising efforts include paid search, paid social and digital placements. Updates will be posted on DDC's social channels (Instagram, X and Facebook) using #DCisOpen. DC travel experts are also available by calling 1-800-422-8644, Monday-Friday, 8:30 a.m.-5 p.m. (EDT).

Open air parks and memorials on the National Mall remain accessible. All free Smithsonian museums, including the National Zoo, will remain open through at least Oct. 6, with further updates to come. The National Gallery of Art will remain open through at least Oct. 4. Additional attractions that remain open include the new Milken Center for Advancing the American Dream, the National Building Museum, Folger Shakespeare Library, National Museum of Women in the Arts, Phillips Collection, Rubell Museum, Washington National Cathedral, Hillwood Estate, Museum & Gardens, Tudor Place Historic House and Garden and the National Children's Museum. Interactive attractions like The People's House, Planet Word, Museum of the Bible, Museum of Illusions and the International Spy Museum are also unaffected.

Hotels are open and ready to welcome guests. DC, named one of the best culinary cities in the world for 2025 by Condé Nast, has more than 2,200 places to eat, including 25 Michelin-starred restaurants and 26 Bib Gourmands. "Together We Dine," a 30-day initiative backed by Restaurant Association Metropolitan Washington encouraging residents and visitors to support local restaurants, begins today (Oct. 1).

October is also a busy month in the Sports Capital and venues are fully operational. Alex Ovechkin and the Washington Capitals open their season at Capital One Arena on Oct. 8, the Washington Wizards' home opener is Oct. 26 and the Washington Commanders continue their playoff push. DC United's final home match is Oct. 4, the playoff-bound Washington Spirit hope for another run through November and the home opener for the NBA G League's Capital City Go-Go is Nov. 12.

Theatre Week is ongoing through Oct. 5 with discounted tickets to over 20 productions all over the District. DC's local theater scene offers shows for every interest, including Merry Wives at Shakespeare Theatre Company's Harman Hall (through Oct. 5), The Great Privation at Woolly Mammoth Theatre (through Oct. 12) and a reimagined Damn Yankees at Arena Stage (through Nov. 9).

The Walter E. Washington Convention Center is fully open and hosting two citywide conventions in October: Association of the United States Army's annual meeting and exhibition (Oct. 13-15) and the American Dental Association's SmileCon (Oct. 23-25). Other meeting venues around the city, including the Ronald Reagan Building and International Trade Center, remain open.

Tour operators will continue to offer guided views of the city with any necessary adjustments. Metro and public transportation will operate as normal and DC government services will continue, including sanitation, schools, parks and ancillary services.

DDC debuted its "DC is Open" campaign during the October 2013 U.S. government shutdown. The messaging was also utilized during the last government shutdown, December 2018-January 2019, and the city's post-pandemic recovery in 2021.

Campaign Assets: here.

About Destination DC:
Destination DC, the official destination marketing organization for the nation's capital, is a private, non-profit membership organization committed to marketing the area as a premier global convention, tourism and special events destination with a special emphasis on the arts, cultural and historic communities. washington.org.