• Destination DC's DEI Business Fellowship Application

  • Welcome to Destination DC (DDC), the official destination marketing organization for Washington, DC.

    As a private, non-profit membership organization with nearly 1,050 businesses, DDC markets the nation’s capital as a premier global destination for conventions, tourism and special events.

    Through membership, businesses gain access to tools and opportunities to grow, connect and play a key role in DC’s $8.1 billion travel and tourism economy. As the city’s destination marketing organization, we are committed to:

    • Showcasing the rich diversity of our community
    • Promoting and advancing diversity, equity and inclusion across our industry
    • Supporting sustainable growth through the Sustainability District, which focuses on People, Purpose and Place - ensuring tourism benefits the entire community. 

    The DEI Business Fellowship Program is your invitation to partner with our team and amplify your business’s visibility. Fellows receive a complimentary membership, tailored sales and marketing training and exclusive networking opportunities—a package valued at over $1,500.

  • Program Overview

  • BENEFITS

    • Complimentary DDC membership for one calendar year (value: $1,100)
    • Full suite of member benefits (excluding listings in print publications and mention in enhanced visibility programs like Sustainability District and Welcome Asia)
    • Two (2) complimentary tickets to the annual Marketing Outlook Meeting (value: $100/each)
    • Content inclusion on washington.org and the DEI District, as appropriate.
    • A comprehensive return-on-investment (ROI) report at the end of the cohort year.
    • Opportunities to engage with and receive training from each DDC department:
      • In-person events
        • Breakfast with the President & CEO, Elliott L. Ferguson, II
        • Cohort building activity/outing
        • DDC member events throughout the year
        • Exclusive webinars covering topics like:
          • Public relations
          • Social media management
          • Reaching international audiences/tour operators
          • Best practices for corpotate meetings and events
          • Sustainability

     

  • ELIGIBILITY

    • Be a small, independently owned business in the travel and tourism industry
    • Generate less than $6 million in annual revenue and/or have fewer than 10 full-time employees
    • Be majority-owned by someone from an underrepresented group
    • Businesses with robust DEI programs may also be considered
    • Have been in operation for at least one (1) year
    • Be registered to do business in DC, MD or VA
    • Not have been a DDC member within the past three (3) years
    • Excludes accomodations, airlines and cruise lines
    • Must comply with DDC's membership terms and conditions

  • Fellowship Values & Selection Process 

    The DEI Business Fellowship supports businesses that reflect the vibrancy and strength of DC's tourism community. We look for applicants who align with our Sustainability District principles of People, Purpose and Place: 

    • People - Businesses owned or led by individuals from historically underrepresented groups, including racial and ethnic minorities, LGBTQIA+ community members, veterans, persons with disabilities and women. 
    • Purpose - Businesses that foster equitable opportunities through inclusive hiring, leadership diversity, staff development and product or services that strengthen their local community. 
    • Place - Businesses that contribute positively to DC's hospitality and tourism landscape, enhancing it's cultural richness and visitor experience. 

    SELECTION

    Fellowship recipients are chosen based on alignment with these values and their potential impact on DC's travel and hospitality community. 

    As part of the process, a DDC team member will connect with you to learn more about your business and confirm the program is a strong fit. Final selections are made by a committee of DDC staff and advisory members. 

    For questions, contact Zoe Roberts, Membership Manager and Fellowship Program Lead at zoe@washington.org or (202)-789-7034. 

     

  • TIMELINE AND IMPLEMENTATION

    • Aug. 11, 2025 – Applications open
    • Dec. 12, 2025 – Applications due
    • Dec. 19, 2025 – Notification of awardees
    • Jan. 1 – Dec. 31, 2026 – Fellowship period
    • Dec. 1, 2026 – Dues commitment for 2027 ($1,100/year) or termination

  • Applicant Information

    The first page will be a series of general information and demographic questions about your business and ownership. On the next page, you will find two questions about your business' DEI efforts. For video applicants, there are also instructions for submission.
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