WASHINGTON 鈥� Tourism is one of D.C.鈥檚 healthiest and fastest-growing industries.
In 2017, a record-breaking 20.8 million domestic visitors flocked to the nation鈥檚 capital where they spent more than $7.5 billion on accommodations, food and transportation. Currently, the industry employees upward of 75,000 people 鈥� a number that is only expected to increase as come online in the next few years.
To ready the region for tourism鈥檚 continued climb, one local hotel is taking matters into its own hands. , a relatively new travel and dining destination in Adams Morgan, is hosting a free, eight-week hospitality course this summer, called , designed to tackle topics from food and beverage, to sales and marketing.
鈥淥ur goal is that by the time participants finish this eight-week course, they have a really great overview and understanding of the hospitality industry,鈥� said Blake Danner, chief operating officer of the hotel鈥檚 parent company Sydell Group.
The program, which will be held inside The Line鈥檚 adjoining 4,000-square-foot , is geared toward the hotel鈥檚 neighbors in Ward 1, but Danner said he won鈥檛 turn away applications from others as long as there is room.
鈥淭he reality is that there鈥檚 $7 billion worth of tourism business in D.C. and we are a workforce that continues to grow,鈥� Danner said.
鈥淎nd workforce development in the creative economy has been a really big focus of the D.C. government, and frankly, we think this program sits really nicely in that focus.鈥�
The Line Sessions, which Sydell previously hosted at one of its properties in Los Angeles, will take place Saturdays, June 30 through Aug. 18, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Applications are due by June 8.
Danner said while the program doesn鈥檛 result in a degree, it does give participants a better grasp of the industry and makes them more marketable in the field.
鈥淲e think it鈥檚 a great investment in the community, and I hope that the people that attend and complete the course are able to merchandise themselves and continue their career paths,鈥� Danner added.
The application for .
