Nation's capital defies shutdown chaos with bold 'DC is open' push to lure tourists back to city

Washington D.C. Defies Shutdown Chaos, Welcomes Tourists Back with 'DC is Open' Campaign

In the midst of the ongoing federal government shutdown, Washington D.C.'s tourism board is taking bold steps to attract visitors back to the city. With most attractions and experiences remaining open, Destination D.C. (DDC) has launched a new campaign dubbed "DC is Open," aiming to promote the nation's capital as a top destination for leisure travelers.

Despite the federal government shutdown, which began on October 1, Washington D.C.'s official tourism bureau is reminding Americans that the city remains open and ready to welcome visitors. The campaign, first introduced during the 2013 government shutdown, highlights the many attractions, restaurants, hotels, and cultural events available in the city.

"We understand that when the federal government shuts down, some visitors may assume D.C. does too," said Elliott L. Ferguson II, president and CEO of Destination D.C. "But that's far from the truth." Ferguson emphasized that most of the city's attractions and experiences remain open, including all open-air parks and memorials on the National Mall, although some visitor centers and ranger-led services are limited.

The campaign also promotes private museums, which are unaffected by the shutdown. Visitors can enjoy iconic attractions such as the Washington Monument and the Lincoln Memorial without interruption. In fact, last year's 27.2 million visitors spent $11.4 billion in the city, with many opting to enjoy the National Mall during this time.

To entice tourists, Destination D.C. is suggesting ways to experience the city during the shutdown. For instance, a visit to the Tidal Basin can be enjoyed when the MLK and FDR Memorials reflect on still water at sunrise or under the stars. Private guides are also available for a night tour of the monuments when they light up.

Washington D.C.'s restaurant scene remains open, with popular eateries such as POV, L'Ardente, Hank's, and Old Ebbitt Grill offering delicious meals while supporting local businesses. The city's nightlife, theater performances, sports events, and cultural attractions also continue to thrive during the shutdown.

As the government shutdown enters its fourth week, Destination D.C.'s "DC is Open" campaign aims to reiterate that Washington D.C. remains a vibrant destination worth visiting.

idk why they gotta keep hyping this but like, it's not like anything major is closed . yeah some visitor centers are limited and ranger-led services are out but honestly most ppl come here for the sights and sounds of the mall anyway...and private museums aren't affected so that's a win . i mean 27.2 million visitors last year spent $11.4 billion in the city which is still pretty wild . it's just weird they keep emphasizing this though when like, most ppl think dc shuts down during gov shutdown .

lol did you know i just saw the most gorgeous sunset at the beach last weekend? it was like the whole sky turned pink and orange anyway, back to dc - so cool they're trying to attract tourists despite the gov shutdown what's your fave attraction in dc? personally, i'm more of a national mall kinda girl, all those monuments are just so iconic

I'm loving this move by Destination D.C.! I mean, who wouldn't want to visit the nation's capital when it's basically open for business? It's like they're saying, "Hey, don't let the government shutdown bring you down! Come on down and enjoy all we have to offer." And honestly, there's so much to see and do in D.C. - from iconic landmarks like the Washington Monument and Lincoln Memorial to awesome museums and restaurants.

And I'm all about that private museum vibe . Like, who needs government-run stuff when you can just visit a private one instead? Plus, it's always cool to explore places that are off the beaten path. And have you seen those sunset or starry night pics of the Tidal Basin? They're breathtaking!

I think this campaign is genius because it highlights all the ways D.C. is still super accessible and enjoyable even during a government shutdown. It's like they're saying, "Hey, we may not be working right now, but you can still come and have fun!" And honestly, who doesn't love a good excuse to visit D.C.?

I'm so here for this "DC is Open" thing ! Like, I get it, govt shutdown can be a bummer, but who doesn't love the energy of DC? And I mean, think about all the awesome stuff that's still open - National Mall, Tidal Basin, restaurants, museums... it's like the city's saying "hey, come on in!" . And, honestly, it makes me wanna plan a trip ASAP! The idea of visiting the monuments at sunrise or under the stars sounds super cool . Plus, supporting local businesses by eating out is always a win in my book . I'm def gonna be checking out POV and L'Ardente on my next visit... anyone else with me?

I'm so over this government shutdown thingy... it's like, can't we all just get along? Anyway, I think it's kinda cool that DC is still open and welcoming visitors despite the shutdown. I mean, who doesn't love exploring the National Mall at sunrise or under the stars? It's like a whole different vibe, you know? Plus, the food scene in DC isn't going to be affected by this nonsense - I'm all about trying new restaurants and bars! And have you seen those Instagram-worthy spots on the Tidal Basin? So beautiful!

i'm so glad they're doing this! i mean, who doesn't love dc? it's like, the ultimate tourist spot anyway anyway, i think it's awesome that they're embracing the shutdown and making the most of it. all the free outdoor activities at the tidal basin sound amazing and honestly, i'm a bit jealous that my city isn't doing something similar... maybe we can learn from dc's example?

I'm kinda torn about this whole thing . On one hand, I love seeing all these iconic spots still open for tourists. Like, can you imagine missing the Lincoln Memorial at sunrise or a private tour of the monuments? It's like having a little piece of American history all to yourself.

But at the same time, it feels kinda weird that they're just trying to spin this whole government shutdown thing as nothing big happening . I mean, come on, we know there's a problem, but do we really need to be reminded of it? Still, I guess if people are gonna go and visit anyway, might as well show 'em the good stuff .

And hey, all these private museums and restaurants opening up during the shutdown? That sounds like an amazing opportunity for tourists . Just hope they're not trying to cash in on our love of DC too much .

I'm actually kinda stoked about this "DC is Open" campaign . People are always going on about how crazy the shutdown is, but I think it's cool that the city is still open and inviting tourists to come visit . It's like, who cares if there's a gov't shutdown? The people of D.C. aren't going anywhere . And honestly, some of these attractions and events are even more magical when they're not swarming with tourists . I mean, think about it: fewer people on the National Mall means you can actually see some stuff without the crowds . Plus, private guides for a nighttime tour of the monuments sound like an amazing idea . And let's be real, who doesn't love trying new restaurants and enjoying the nightlife?

"The road to hell is paved with good intentions." The US government shutdown has caused quite a stir, but it seems like Washington D.C. is trying to stay positive and attract visitors despite the chaos. It's actually kind of genius to focus on private museums and attractions that aren't affected by the shutdown. Who wouldn't want to visit iconic spots like the Lincoln Memorial or enjoy the Tidal Basin at sunrise? The city's nightlife, food scene, and cultural events are still buzzing, so I guess you could say D.C. is staying open for business

so great, the city is open and tourists can still come... like what's the point of even having a federal shutdown if you're just gonna make sure everyone knows DC is fine ? anyway, 27.2 million visitors last year was a big number, but $11.4 billion in spending? that's actually kinda impressive

I'm thinking, you know when it comes to DC being open for tourists, isn't this just another example of how politicians like to create their own narrative? Like, they shut down the government and expect everyone to think that the whole city is closed too ... but at the same time, businesses are still running, people are still coming in, it's all just part of the deal. And let's be real, who doesn't love a good underdog story? The city's like "Hey, we're still here, come hang out with us!" It's almost like they're trying to make a point about what actually matters - people power and local businesses ... I mean, it's not like the government shutdown is just a minor inconvenience or anything

i think its good they're promoting tourism in dc even when theres a shutdown