Destination DC Special Agents discover why there’s #Only1DC

10 June 2025: Three standout agents from Australia and New Zealand were recently immersed in Washington, DC’s iconic landmarks, rich history, and vibrant local culture after winning a place on Destination DC’s 2025 Special Agent Academy FAM trip. 

Alison Sharp from Travel Managers Auckland, Lani Symons Vaughan from MTA Travel Newcastle, and Tracey Williams from Helloworld Forster embarked on a dynamic six-night itinerary that highlighted the very best of the US capital. From must-see attractions to buzzing neighbourhoods and world-class dining. Tracey Watters from Canuckiwi also joined the adventure as the group host.

The agents earned their place by completing the Washington, DC Special Agent Academy training before the 14 April 2025 deadline. This was part of Destination DC’s relaunched trade education platform designed to equip advisors with destination knowledge and tools. The group were then rewarded with a curated experience that blended education, sports, culture, and local flavour, highlighting what lies beyond the politics. 

A visit to The People’s House: A White House Experience offered an engaging, behind-the-scenes look at the White House in an interactive format – an experience that agent Lani Symons Vaughan called “a standout” and one she will “definitely be putting on everyone’s itinerary.” The newly opened Go-Go Museum & Café in Anacostia introduced the group to DC’s homegrown music scene and cultural legacy, while the eclectic O Museum in The Mansion, hidden behind secret doors, added a creative and unexpected twist to the week. 

Beyond museums, the agents explored neighbourhoods on foot, visiting local markets, discovering street art, and enjoying standout food spots. A night at Nationals Park, cheering alongside local fans, gave them a fun, high-energy look into DC’s sporting spirit. As Alison Sharp put it, “The Mall is the heart of the city, but the neighbourhoods are the soul. You see DC from a local perspective, so it’s certainly worth adding on extra time to explore them.” 

The trip also highlighted the importance of setting client expectations, especially when it comes to timing. “People underestimate how long they need at the museums,” Alison added. “They’re so big you can't do them justice when you're rushing through. It’s really important to plan your time in the city, as a lot of places require you to pre-book a time for entry.”

The travel trade plays a vital role in Australia and New Zealand, helping to bring travellers to the USA. Having trusted advisors experience a destination firsthand is key to turning product knowledge into compelling, personalised recommendations. While not everyone can be on the ground, the Special Agent Academy helps extend that knowledge more broadly. Together, the training program and FAM opportunities form a core part of the strategy to inspire longer, more enriching stays. “Experiencing it in person is the best way to understand how much more DC offers beyond the National Mall,” Corey Marshall, said Principal at Canuckiwi. “These kinds of experiences turn agents into passionate advocates.”  

To discover why Washington, DC deserves more time, why it’s worth going beyond the National Mall, and how to become eligible for future incentives, complete the Special Agent Academy Program and start discovering why there is #Only1DC today: Register now or visit https://washington.org for more destination information.