Washington.org is Exclusive Source of Hotel Room + Dedication Ticket Packages for Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial Dedication

DC's Tourism Office Only Source of Official Tickets for Aug. 28th Dedication Ceremony

WASHINGTON, July 19, 2011 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Destination DC, the official tourism and marketing office for the nation's capital, is now the exclusive source of hotel room-plus-dedication ticket packages for the official dedication ceremony for the Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial in Washington, DC on August 28. A limited number of hotel + dedication ticket packages are on sale at www.Washington.org/MLK; 1-855-2011-MLK (655).

Destination DC became the sole source following a public lottery for individual tickets to the official dedication ceremony for the first memorial to a non-president on the National Mall. While thousands of people are delighted to have secured tickets, many others, owing to an overwhelming public demand, will now require an alternative outlet for tickets granting public access to the official viewing area on August 28, 2011.

Destination DC's allocation of tickets in the official viewing area are combined with two-night minimum stays at 16 select Washington, DC hotels. Exclusive room-plus-ticket bundles will be available for individuals and groups (10 or more people) until they are sold out. Tickets are non-transferable and non-refundable. Two night minimum required.

• Group Reservations: Hotel room + guaranteed tickets: Groups (10 or more people) should contact [email protected] or call Morgan Maravich: 202-789-7056.
• Individual Reservations: Individual hotel reservations + guaranteed tickets for individuals (nine or less people). Please visit www.Washington.org/MLK or call 1-855-2011-MLK (655).

"Countless people from across the country and around the world have been touched by the life and legacy of Dr. King. Destination DC is excited to present this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to witness history," said Elliott Ferguson, President and CEO of Destination DC. "To be able to offer dedication ceremony tickets paired with exceptional hotel rooms for the celebratory weekend creates a special visitor experience in the nation's capital, a city with a unique and substantial connection to Dr. King."

Located on the Tidal Basin, the Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial is the first on the National Mall to honor a non-president and will be dedicated on August, 28, 2011, the 48th anniversary of the March on Washington and Dr. King's stirring "I Have a Dream" speech. Tickets allow visitors access to the official viewing areas but are not required to attend the dedication ceremony. The occasion will be accompanied by four days of special events, Thursday, August 25-Sunday, August 28 including a free family-friendly expo, "Partners in the Dream" at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center as well as inspirational concerts, a VIP gala and luncheons honoring civil rights leaders. Complete details about dedication week events can be found at www.Washington.org/MLK.

The hotels offering two-night minimum stays plus guaranteed admission to the official dedication ceremony include:

Beacon Hotel and Corporate Quarters
Capital Hilton
Courtyard by Marriott Washington Capitol Hill Navy Yard
Crowne Plaza Hotel Washington National Airport
The Dupont Circle Hotel
Embassy Row Hotel
Four Points by Sheraton Washington D.C. Downtown
The St. Gregory Hotel and Suites
Hilton Washington
Hilton Garden Inn Washington, DC/US Capitol
The Normandy Hotel
The Phoenix Park Hotel DC Capitol Hill
Renaissance Dupont Circle Washington DC
The St. Regis Washington, D.C.
Washington Marriott
Washington Marriott Wardman Park

"The legacy of Dr. King's message of nonviolent conflict resolution and equality is known the world over. We look forward to welcoming visitors to Washington, DC and to our website, Washington.org as they plan future trips," said Ferguson. "The Destination DC team is excited to assist visitors eager to share the significance of this historic new addition to our city on this extraordinary weekend."

About Destination DC:  Destination DC, the lead destination marketing organization for the nation's capital, is a private, non-profit membership organization of more than 850 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. Destinationdc.com.

SOURCE Destination DC