Destination DC has revamped its agent training platform, promising significant enhancements.
- The updated ‘Washington, DC, Special Agent Academy’ now includes three core modules.
- New modules are set to be introduced by the end of the year, broadening learning opportunities.
- Participants completing the programme will gain access to discounts, support, and prize opportunities.
- The platform supports future translations into multiple languages to reach a global audience.
Destination DC, the organisation responsible for marketing Washington, DC, has substantially upgraded its training resources for travel agents. The revamped ‘Washington, DC, Special Agent Academy’ now offers three comprehensive modules designed to enhance the expertise of those in the travel and hospitality industry. Elliott L. Ferguson, II, the president and CEO, emphasises that the knowledge gained through this academy will not only boost the skills of participants but also enrich the overall experience for Washington, DC visitors.
The current modules available are ‘Mission Information’, ‘Mission 3M’s: Monuments, Memorials and Museums’, and ‘Mission There’s Only 1 DC’. These modules provide essential insights into the city’s iconic landmarks and distinctive attractions. By the end of 2024, additional modules such as ‘Sports & Festivals’, ‘Group Tour’, ‘Capital Region USA’, and ‘MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences and Exhibitions)’ will further expand the educational scope of the platform.
Participants in the programme become ‘Special Agents’ who gain exclusive access to various benefits, including discounts, support, and a chance to win prizes. Ferguson notes, “We know there’s Only One Washington, DC, and we want to share that message with consumers and hospitality professionals. The training tools will help us enhance the knowledge, image, and perception of Washington, DC.”
The platform is hosted on LearnUpon, a Learning Management System noted for its user-friendliness. Currently, English is the only language supported, but plans are underway to offer translations in Spanish, Portuguese, Mandarin, Korean, Japanese, French, and German. This expansion will facilitate a broader educational outreach, allowing agents worldwide to become adept at promoting Washington, DC’s unique offerings.
Ferguson adds, “Our city is filled with extraordinary arts, culture, culinary delights and accommodations, and we’re excited to share them with the world.” The training aims to bolster Washington, DC’s global visitor market share, positioning it as a premier destination by highlighting its exclusive experiences and cultural richness.
The updated platform promises to be a vital tool in elevating the global profile and visitor experience of Washington, DC.
