State of Washington Tourism

29/09/2022

Also, don't miss our Responsible Outdoor Travel Summit October 13th: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/responsible-outdoor-travel-summit-tickets-407059424697

Join travel, outdoor recreation, and thought leaders for the Responsible Outdoor Travel Summit.

27/09/2022

Don't forget to register for the 2022 State of Washington Tourism Conference!

For the first time in more than a decade, State of Washington Tourism (SWT) will host an in-person statewide tourism conference this fall.

28/04/2022

NOTICE: In May, 2022, we will merge this industry-focused page with our main page, State of Washington Tourism (https://www.facebook.com/StateofWATourism).

For important SWT news, tourism discussions, advocacy updates and more, we encourage industry professionals to join our new private Facebook group, State of Washington Tourism Industry (https://www.facebook.com/groups/497827251992583).

You can also follow us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/4759752

The official source of visitor information for the State of Washington. Follow us for trip inspiratio

22/02/2022

Help the Washington Trust for Historic Preservation chart the course ahead for our saltwater shorelines by reviewing draft plans for the Maritime Washington National Heritage Area. This new National Heritage Area will help celebrate, maintain, and share Washington’s maritime heritage. Through March 4, help refine this plan by taking a survey, reading the full Management Plan, or attending a virtual info session. Visit www.preservewa.org/ahoy to get involved.

18/01/2022

Sign the petition to support a special Washington Wine license plate with funds supporting State of Washington Tourism. New signers eligible for special prizes: https://www.ipetitions.com/petition/washington-wine-license-plate

The Washington Wine Institute is currently collecting the 3,500 signatures needed for a new specialty plate as part of the approval process

12/11/2021

WTA has launched a new Rural Tourism Support (RTS) Program, and selected Tri County Economic Development District in Northeastern Washington as its inaugural destination partner.

Managed and funded by WTA, the RTS Program will focus on long-term destination development for both residents and visitors, along with sustainable tourism and regenerative travel. The application process for the next RTS partner destination will begin in spring 2022, followed by a fall launch. Read more!

Posted on November 11, 2021By mikeIn Industry News, WTA News ReleasesLeave a commentWashington Tourism Alliance Announces New Rural Tourism Support Program Tri-County Economic Development District Picked for Pilot Program SEATTLE (November 11, 2021) – The Washington Tourism Alliance (WTA) is launc...

02/07/2021

Catch the State of Washington's reopening on Good Morning America! WTA partnered with ABC and destinations across the state to host this special Rise and Shine tour. We agree with Becky Worley- this is definitely "a vacationer's paradise."

11/06/2021

FREE webinar alert: "Taking Your Agritourism Enterprise to the Next Level" Monday, June 14, Noon-1:30 p.m. Register: conta.cc/3pH4Gwg

Get inspiration from Washington farmers and national experts who've leveraged tourism to make a positive impact on their farm businesses and communities.

WTA is proud to offer this learning opportunity in partnership with Washington State Department of Agriculture

09/06/2021

A new recreation app will improve visitor experience while helping protect public lands. We’re thrilled to partner with TREAD and Dharma Maps to launch the TREAD Map pilot program, providing a one-stop resource now through summer for the Trails and Lakes region of Central Washington.

Posted on June 8, 2021June 8, 2021New Recreation App Improves Visitor Experience While Helping Protect Public Lands FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASEJune 8, 2021 Media Contact:Christina Pivarnik(360) 531-0127/[email protected] One-Stop Resource Informed by Local Enthusiasts and Land Management Agencies Ava...

17/05/2021

Please join us in welcoming Michelle Thana to our newly created role of Director of Marketing. Michelle most recently led marketing at Visit Vancouver USA and previously worked at Travel Portland. We're thrilled to have her destination marketing expertise at WTA!

14/05/2021

The Yakima Convention Center is hosting a public open house today featuring its 18,000-square-foot expansion! Guests may walk through the addition and see many new features, all while following Covid-19 safety protocols. Congrats on your opening!

10/05/2021

Big News! Dash Air Shuttle, a new PNW based airline, plans to begin service between Port Angeles and Seattle-Tacoma International Airport in the third quarter of 2021!

07/05/2021

Now available: Nonprofit DMO Relief Grant. WTA is administering a grant program with the Washington State Department of Commerce to deliver nearly $1 million in Covid-19 relief funds to destination marketing organizations across the state, assisting with critical operation needs. See if you qualify, and apply by 5 p.m. May 14: https://adobe.ly/3b5ANzC

Adobe Acrobat

06/05/2021

Webinar alert: Steps to Travel Trade Success. May 18, 9:30 a.m. Learn how to work with inbound travel professionals, create partnerships and develop resources to stimulate international business with global re-opening. Register today (free!): https://bit.ly/2SvTHt5

Posted on May 3, 2021May 3, 2021 by WaTourismAllianceIITA Steps to Success Travel Trade Webinar featuring Jennifer Ackerson May 18, 9:30-11:30 a.m. The WTA presents this free tourism development training webinar on how to work with inbound travel professionals, create successful partnerships and de...

06/05/2021

This National Travel and Tourism Week, we're focusing on the Power of Travel. Our industry plays a major role in restoring communities, businesses and jobs, as well as its ability to improve the overall U.S. economy. Get your tool kit from the U.S. Travel Association to help share the positive impacts of travel: bit.ly/3uq1tTp

23/04/2021

Agritourism grants are now open through April 26. We're pleased to partner with Washington State Department of Agriculture to provide support to small agritourism businesses. Apply today: https://bit.ly/32GvtOH

The Washington Department of Agriculture (WSDA) is allocating funds from the Disaster Response Account managed by the State of Washington Office of Financial Management, pursuant to Chapter 7, Laws of 2020.

22/04/2021

Happy Earth Day! Washington state nature is filled with opportunity to connect with the Earth and explore it responsibly. Consider stepping off the beaten path and visiting The Listening Circle at Chief Timothy Park, situated on a 282-acre island on Lower Granite Lake in the Snake River. Learn more with Visit Lewis Clark Valley: https://visitlcvalley.com/directory/chief-timothy-park/

This park holds the same unique experience of peace and tranquility that was found when Lewis and Clark traveled across the island in 1806. Today the spirit still lives in an atmosphere of natural beauty. Overnight camping, swimming beach and picnic area is available.

23/02/2021

A new round of small business grants have been approved by Governor Inslee and the state legislature. The $240 million program will focus on small businesses impacted by COVID-19. The application portal should open by late March. Learn more: http://startup.choosewashingtonstate.com/links/crisis/covid-19-resources/

COVID-19 Small Business Resources Working your way through a crisis – whether it’s manmade or natural – is difficult work to say the least. To guide you through current and future crises, we’ve put together a wealth of resources for you. Details about the distribution of Commerce’s previou...

16/02/2021

The Cascade Loop Scenic Highway has been designated as a National Scenic Byway! This Loop is now one of 184 amazing road trips identified as “America’s Byways” through the Federal Highways Administration. A big congrats to those who've worked so hard for this recognition. Learn more: http://bit.ly/3pmIoOp

Holy moly we got some really exciting news today! After working on this for nearly 10 years, our humble road trip has been designated a National Scenic Byway! Our byway is now one of 184 amazing road trips identified as “America’s Byways” through the Federal Highways Administration and we are keeping some fine company. Huge thanks to everyone who supported us through this process—we couldn’t be prouder!❤️🚗❤️ Need more info? Learn more here: https://www.fhwa.dot.gov/hep/scenic_byways/designations/2021_designated_byways.cfm

01/02/2021

Seattle-area travel industry workers predict what travel will look like in 2021 and beyond.

WTA board member and founder of Olympic Hiking Co., Tommy Farris, hopes 2021 will bring solutions to last year’s twin problems: overcrowded “wreckreaction” and underfunded local businesses. Read more: https://www.seattletimes.com/life/travel/seattle-area-travel-industry-workers-predict-what-travel-will-look-like-in-2021-and-beyond/

Are we there yet? The coronavirus pandemic paved a rough road for the travel industry in 2020. But with a vaccine now available to some, and with people going stir-crazy, travel industry types are cautiously optimistic that things might look...

26/01/2021

Today's the perfect day to encourage visitors to start planning their next trip to Washington. While the timeline for safe travel remains uncertain, business re-openings and safer travel opportunities are on the horizon.

97% of American workers say having a trip planned makes them happier. Today’s the day to dream—it’s National Day! New research and resources to get involved → ustravel.org/NPVDtoolkit

15/01/2021

Don't miss this virtual event about the launch of the Maritime Washington National Heritage Area on Jan. 19 at 4 p.m. Registration is now open. See you there? www.preservewa.org/mwnha-events

Upcoming Events Virtual Information Session on the Maritime Washington NHA Tuesday, January 19, 2021, 4:00-5:00 p.m. Join us for an online information session to learn more about the Maritime Washington National Heritage Area! We’ll provide a brief overview of what National Heritage Areas are, the...