News Releases | State of Washington Tourism

State Tourism Statistics Point to Moderate Growth, Room for More

SEATTLE, WA (May 6, 2025) – Figures released today by State of Washington Tourism (SWT) indicate modest growth in Washington State’s visitor volume, expenditures, tax receipts and employment in 2024, though adjusted for inflation, visitor spending has not yet surpassed 2019 levels. The annual Economic Impacts of Visitors in Washington State, compiled by national travel research firm Tourism Economics for SWT, was released today in advance of National Travel and Tourism Week, May 4-10.

State Tourism Industry Recognizes Excellence with 2024 Industry Awards

Vancouver, WA (Oct. 8, 2024) – State of Washington Tourism (SWT) announced the winners of its tourism awards at the annual State of Washington Tourism Conference. The awards recognize excellence in tourism work from around the state.

Snoqualmie Valley Selected for Rural Tourism Support Program

SEATTLE (June 1, 2024) – The Snoqualmie Valley will be the next regional destination to participate in the Rural Tourism Support (RTS) program from State of Washington Tourism (SWT). SnoValley Chamber of Commerce will play a leadership role in this program and help bring together local tourism stakeholders.

2023 State Tourism Statistics Show Uneven Recovery, Opportunity to Drive Additional Revenue

Annual Impacts Report Released as National Travel & Tourism Week Begins SEATTLE (May 20, 2024) – Figures released today by State of Washington Tourism (SWT) indicate continued recovery in Washington State’s visitor volume, expenditures, tax receipts and employment in 2023, though the pace of recovery is uneven across the state and financial gains are undermined by inflation and have not kept pace with other states and employment growth. The annual Economic Impacts of Visitors in Washington State, compiled for SWT by national travel research firm Tourism Economics, indicates that real spending, inflationary pressures and price increases continued to play a role in visitor spending growth in Washington last year.

State of Washington Tourism to Administer $3.5M in EDA Grants for Tourism Recovery

Partnership with Department of Commerce spans 2 years Olympia, Wash. (December 4, 2023) — The Washington State Department of Commerce named State of Washington Tourism (SWT) to administer $3.5 million in Economic Development Administration (EDA) block grant funds to assist in tourism industry pandemic recovery after a competitive RFP process. The destination planning and development grants will be dispersed through a competitive, needs-based grant program intended for Washington’s local, city, county and tribal governments, destination marketing organizations (DMOs), and other nonprofit organizations involved with travel and tourism.

Recipients Announced for SWT’s Tourism Sustainability Grants

State of Washington Tourism awards $125,000 in grant funding to nine recipients. SEATTLE (Nov. 7, 2023) —Nine of the 11 state tourism regions were represented in the latest round of grant awards for tourism sustainability by State of Washington Tourism (SWT).

State Tourism Industry Presents 2023 Awards, Inducts Industry Veterans Into Tourism Hall Of Leadership

YAKIMA (Oct. 31, 2023) – State of Washington Tourism (SWT) announced the winners of its tourism awards last week at the annual State of Washington Tourism Conference. The awards recognize excellence in tourism work from around the state.

SWT, Port of Seattle Appoint Black Diamond as UK & Ireland PR Agency

AUGUST 1, 2023 – State of Washington Tourism (SWT) and the Port of Seattle have appointed London-based integrated communications agency Black Diamond to manage its public relations, consumer, and travel trade activity in the UK and Ireland. Washington State is home to an abundance of natural wonders with three national parks – Mount Rainier, North Cascades, and Olympic – offering stunning encounters with nature, in addition to the San Juan Islands. Starting August 1, Black Diamond’s strategy will position the State of Washington as a desirable tourism destination beyond Seattle, with a particular focus on increasing and encouraging visitation to the rural regions for slow travel and soft adventures.

Walla Walla Selected for Rural Tourism Support Program

SEATTLE (June 5, 2023) – The Walla Walla region will participate in the next Rural Tourism Support (RTS) program by State of Washington Tourism (SWT). Visit Walla Walla will serve as the lead for tourism stakeholders in Wallla Walla County and surrounding areas.