Do Date Night Right: Date Nights DC Campaign Proposes Romantic Getaways in Nation’s Capital Throughout February

(Washington, DC) – For the ninth consecutive year Destination DC (DDC) hosts Date Nights DC, a consumer marketing program promoting easy-to-plan romantic getaways in Washington, DC throughout February. The official marketing organization for the nation’s capital, DDC aims to drive visitation during this traditionally slow travel season by bundling sweetly-priced deals from District hotels, restaurants, attractions and tours with easy-to-follow date itineraries. The 2018 campaign reaches regional consumers in greater Washington, DC; Baltimore, MD and Richmond, VA through print, digital and television ads, social channels and a consumer blitz on Feb. 1, 2018.

Consumers can plan budget-friendly getaways by selecting from more than 20 offers from DDC members on datenightsdc.org. The site also houses over 100 date ideas organized by experience: romance, luxury, budget, adventure, unexpected and can’t-fail first dates.

“Date Nights DC is an opportunity for people to find a great deal, while impacting our goal of bringing more visitors to the city,” said Elliott L. Ferguson, II, president and CEO of DDC. “Book a discounted hotel package, live-action escape room adventure in Glover Park, a spa experience in Georgetown and finish the night ice skating with cocktails. Or, catch a show at the Women’s Voice Theater Festival and splurge on a table at Michelin-starred restaurant.”

Date inspiration on datenightsdc.org spotlights Washington, DC’s world class fine arts, theater, nightlife and dining scene. The impressive inventory of new hotels, emerging neighborhood developments and cultural offering helped to secure Washington, DC several “where to travel in 2018” accolades, including USA Today; Travel & Leisure and the Associated Press.

“Our Date Nights DC marketing campaign is unique because it’s the only advertising we do that targets regional consumers,” said Robin McClain, senior vice president of marketing and communications. “We’re promoting romantic staycations, so we’re having fun with it. By handing out Baked by Yael cakepops and date ideas at several Metro stations on Feb. 1, we’re inspiring Washingtonians to take advantage of the exceptional deals in their backyard this Valentine’s Day season. The message is echoed in our commercials and social promotions.”

The consumer activation will generate buzz for Date Nights DC. Between 6-10am, commuters at select Metro stations will receive a branded sweet treat teasing the campaign’s website, datenightsdc.org and date ideas to inspire throughout the month of February.

The Date Nights DC advertising campaign is in market through Feb. 28 and expected to earn more than 8.3 million impressions.  A DDC-produced television commercial (:15 and :30 second cuts) inspires consumers to “Do Date Night Right” and will be shown during late evening programming on NBC (Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon; Late Night with Seth Meyers); ABC (Jimmy Kimmel); CBS (Late Show with Stephen Colbert; Late Late Show with James Cordon) as well as cable channels: BET, Bravo, ESPN, Hallmark Channel and VH1.

Throughout the campaign, DDC will run a sweepstakes on datenightsdc.org for a romantic two-night stay in the District. The package will include overnight accommodations for two provided by Hilton; two 7-Day Fast Pass Smartrip cards from WMATA as well as certificates for restaurants and passes to popular attractions. Additionally, four Instagram giveaways, one awarded each week of the campaign, will engage followers of DDC’s consumer account: @visitwashingtondc. Prizes will include gift certificates from ThinkFoodGroup’s China Chilcano and Richard Sandoval Restaurants.

DDC members offering deals include: Adam’s Inn; American Guest House; Beacon Hotel and Corporate Quarters; Benjamin Bar & Lounge; Bourbon Steak; Carpe DC Food Tours; College Nannies, Sitters and Tutors; Convention Floral; Courtyard, Washington, DC/Dupont Circle; Days Inn Washington, DC/Connecticut Ave.; DC by Foot; DC Design Tours; The Dupont Circle Hotel and Café Dupont; Embassy Row Hotel; Escape Room Live DC; The Fairmont Washington, DC, Georgetown; Four Seasons Washington, DC and Spa at Four Seasons; Hill Center at the Old Navy Hospital; Hyatt Regency Washington on Capitol Hill; InterContinental Washington D.C. – The Wharf; International Spy Museum; The Jefferson, Washington, DC; JW Marriott Washington, D.C.; Lansdowne Resort and Spa; Madame Tussauds Washington, DC; Mandarin Oriental, Washington D.C.; Marriott Marquis Washington, DC; National Building Museum;  Renaissance Washington, D.C. Downtown Hotel; The Ritz-Carlton, Pentagon City; Rosewood Washington, D.C.; SeekingSitters Washington DC; Sofitel Washington, DC Lafayette Square; Trump International Hotel Washington, DC; Tudor Place Historic House & Garden; USA Guided Tours; The Watergate Hotel; Woolly Mammoth Theatre Company.

About Destination DC: Destination DC, the official destination marketing organization for the nation’s capital, is a private, non-profit membership organization of 1,000 businesses 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.

MEDIA CONTACTS
Danielle Davis, Director of Communications
(202) 789-7046; danielle.davis@destinationdc.com

Kate Gibbs, Domestic Media Relations Manager
(202) 789-7072; kate.gibbs@destinationdc.com

Vanessa Casas, International Media Relations Manager
(202) 789-7053; vanessa.casas@destinationdc.com

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