BestCities Global Alliance has welcomed Washington, DC, as the 13th destination in its global network of business events destinations, extending the alliance’s reach across North America.
The US capital completed a stringent vetting process to join the alliance, including a detailed site inspection and tour of the city.
“Washington, DC’s partnership with BestCities Global Alliance marks a pivotal moment in our city’s ability to attract global meetings and events,” said Elliott L. Ferguson, II, president and CEO of Destination DC. “By joining forces with the BestCities network, we’re embracing opportunities to share insights, drive positive change, and collectively shape the future of impactful events. The partnership reinforces Washington, DC’s status as a thriving hub of culture, diversity, and innovation, dedicated to creating lasting legacies that transcend borders and inspire communities.”
Home to event centres such as the John F. Kennedy Center for Performing Arts, the capital city is a connected axis where planners can access industry leaders and experts for speakers and expand the footprint of their event by using unique spaces within walking distance of the Walter E. Washington Convention Center.
Delegates to Washington, DC enjoy iconic attractions, and an impressive offering of restaurants, including 24 Michelin-star establishments, and 33,000 hotel rooms, many of which feature historic meeting spaces and waterfront views of the city.
A wildfire on Mount Bromo’s Teletubbies Hill has forced The Bromo Tengger Semeru National Park Center (BB TNBTS) to close the attraction to visitors until further notice as authorities scramble to extinguish the fire.
The fire was allegedly caused by the use of flares by a couple who were taking pre-wedding photographs at the location.
All access routes to the Indonesian national park have been shut down. An entrance is available only for locals living in the areas surrounding the mountain.
In statement, Septi Eka Wardhani, head of the administrative division at BB TNBTS, explained that the closure would ensure the safety of visitors. Once the situation is under control, a reopening will be evaluated.
Based on Regional Disaster Mitigation Agency data, the area of forest and land destroyed by the fire on Mount Bromo has reached 274 hectares.
Efforts to extinguish the devastating fire is being carried out by the East Java provincial and Malang task force teams, volunteers, fire awareness community, and the BB TNBTS’s fire-handling team.
Septi said visitors who had purchased tickets online can apply for a change in visiting dates. Procedures for rescheduling and other information will be provided by BB TNBTS.
Although the national park is closed, Adjie Wahjono, operations manager of Aneka Kartika Tours, said tourists could still enjoy views of Mount Bromo from Seruni Point or Metigen Viewpoint, areas that are not within the management of BB TNBTS.
“There have been no cancellations so far. We can still conduct Mount Bromo tours with slight modifications, as tourists cannot go to Whispering Sands or hike up the mountain. However, Jeep rides and other activities are still possible,” said Adjie.