Destination DC has launched Phase II of its Washington, DC Special Agent Academy (DCSAA), an interactive training initiative designed to strengthen destination knowledge among travel professionals across India and equip them with the expertise and tools required to promote the U.S. capital more effectively.
Building on the success of last year’s agent incentive programme, the latest phase aims to expand participation and increase the number and diversity of Indian travel professionals who complete the academy. The programme combines destination-focused training with a tiered incentive structure, encouraging travel advisors to deepen their knowledge of Washington, DC and develop stronger destination expertise.
Letizia Sirtori, Vice President, Tourism and Global Development, Destination DC, said that travel professionals play an important role in inspiring Indian travellers and helping them discover the destination. She noted that the Special Agent Academy provides advisors with practical destination knowledge and greater confidence in creating itineraries tailored to their clients. Sirtori added that Destination DC is looking forward to building on the previous programme’s success and welcoming more travel professionals into its community of certified Washington, DC specialists.
Three Core Missions for Certification
To earn the Washington, DC Special Agent certification, participants are required to complete three Core Missions covering different aspects of the destination.
Mission Information provides essential information about Washington, DC, while Mission 3M’s focuses on the city’s Monuments, Memorials and Museums. The third module, Mission There’s Only 1 DC, explores the experiences and characteristics that distinguish Washington, DC from other destinations.
Travel professionals who have already completed all three Core Missions can participate in the latest incentive programme by completing three elective courses available through the academy’s catalogue.
Incentives for Indian Travel Professionals
Travel professionals who successfully complete the required training by September 17, 2026, will be eligible to participate in a lucky draw for Amazon gift vouchers.
A total of 30 winners will be selected during the two-month campaign period. The incentive programme is being rolled out in phases to encourage continued participation and completion of the academy’s training modules.
Beyond the incentive programme, the academy is designed to help Indian travel advisors strengthen their understanding of Washington, DC’s attractions, experiences and destination offerings. Participants can also gain access to relevant discounts and rewards for themselves and their clients, while earning the Washington, DC Special Agent certification.
The programme is expected to help travel professionals build greater confidence in promoting Washington, DC and developing customised itineraries for clients travelling to the U.S. capital.
The initiative also reflects Destination DC’s continued focus on strengthening its engagement with the Indian travel trade and building a wider network of destination specialists in the market.
Through destination training, certification and trade incentives, Destination DC aims to deepen industry knowledge and encourage more Indian travel professionals to actively promote Washington, DC as an international leisure and travel destination.
