WASHINGTON -- Hoping to capitalize on the fact that surveys show
many Americans intend to travel closer to home this year,
Washington unveiled a marketing promotion, Summer Freedom Savings,
that highlights the city's history as it entices visitors with
special discounts at dozens of hotels, attractions and retail
outlets.
Summer Freedom hotel packages feature rates start as low as $69
a night.
The promotion is slated to run from June through August and will
be backed by more than $500,000 worth of media ads. The city is
targeting close-in markets such as New York and Philadelphia, as
well as Richmond, Va., and other nearby cities.
The promotion also encompasses several events such as Restaurant
Week, during which participating restaurants, cafes and other
eateries offer meals with reduced prices. Restaurant Week is slated
to take place sometime in July.
Hotel packages are available only at the Washington D.C.
Convention and Tourism Corp. Web site at www.washington.org.
Travelers who book packages also receive a 24-page Travel
Journal, courtesy of Conde Nast Traveler, in which they can record
visit highlights.