Wisconsin Native Faces Challenge of Promoting Tourism in Washington.

Byline: Craig Gilbert

Oct. 11--WASHINGTON--When Bill Hanbury came here after six years as Milwaukee's tourism czar, he viewed his new post as the "pinnacle of his profession," promoter-in-chief of a global, world-class destination.

Now he has a world-class problem to go with it.

The nation's capital has lost millions of dollars daily thanks to a plunge in visitors since Sept. 11.

Its closest airport is running at one-third of its capacity.

And the art of selling D.C. has been immeasurably complicated by an uncertain future, an ongoing war and the very nature of this city's attractions.

"Normally, Washington finds it a great asset that it is the focus of the geopolitical world. But right now it can be somewhat disadvantageous for us," says Hanbury, referring to the nervousness that some people feel about future attacks.

Hanbury and his deputy, Dawn Poker -- the team in charge of bringing tourists and conventions to …