News Releases | State of Washington Tourism

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.

Latest Tourism Statistics Point to Industry’s Potential to Drive Additional Revenue for Washington State

Annual State Tourism Impacts Released as National Tourism Week Begins SEATTLE – Figures released today by State of Washington Tourism (SWT) indicate continued recovery in Washington State’s visitor volume, expenditures, tax receipts and employment in 2022, though financial gains are undermined by inflation, have not kept pace with other states and employment growth continues to fall short of pre-pandemic benchmarks. 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 7-13.

Recipients of Tourism Development Grants Announced

State of Washington Tourism will award a combined $270,000 in grant funding to 25 recipients across all 11 regional destinations SEATTLE (Oct. 26, 2022) – In a first for the industry, State of Washington Tourism (SWT) has announced the grant recipients of two tourism development programs.

Industry Awards Presented at State Tourism Conference

Three industry veterans inducted into Tourism Hall of Leadership SEATTLE (October 18, 2022) – State of Washington Tourism inaugurated a new award program last week at its conference, conferring recognitions for Outstanding Marketing Campaign, Rising Star in Tourism, and Destination Stewardship. Three industry veterans were also inducted into the new Tourism Hall of Leadership.

Responsible Outdoor Travel Summit Convenes Thought Leaders on the Future of State Travel and Recreation

SEATTLE (October 4, 2022) – Tourism, outdoor recreation and conservation leaders will meet to identify work for the post-pandemic horizon to re-balance the flow of visitors and recreationists across Washington, accommodate growing diversity of traveler interest in environmental sustainability and find ways for Washington stakeholders to work together on broad and long-lasting solutions. The inaugural Responsible Outdoor Travel Summit, October 13 at Bell Harbor International Conference Center in Seattle, will feature some of the latest trends in travel and recreation.