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Indigenous Tourism Support Program

Modeled after a similar SWT initiative, the Indigenous Tourism Support (ITS) program focuses on a long-term, community-driven, and culturally respectful approach to tourism planning and policy. This program is intended for Tribal entities Indigenous to Washington State seeking to develop or manage tourism assets outside of gaming, including—but not limited—to festivals and events, cultural heritage, outdoor recreation, and agritourism.  

ITS Program Overview 

The ITS program operates with the consent of Indigenous communities. Program decisions are made by a steering committee comprised of community and industry leaders. SWT works with the steering committee and local convener (a person backed by a Tribal entity) to provide structure to make tourism planning and policy recommendations. SWT manages the ITS program without preconditions or assumptions placed on Indigenous communities or tourism stakeholders. Through the ITS program, SWT provides Tribal Nations with the technical expertise and administrative support to convene a wide range of stakeholders committed to more sustainable and inclusive forms of tourism.

The ITS program does not serve as a comprehensive strategic plan for tourism, nor will it solve problems associated with funding or governance. Instead, the program is designed to enhance and expand tourism offerings in Indigenous communities. It promotes organization and collaboration among local stakeholders through small projects and targeted issues in line with a 10-year vision for tourism that incorporates regenerative tourism strategies to improve ecosystems, elevate local economies, and promote meaningful and responsible visitor experiences. 

The awardee will work with SWT to tailor the program to industry and community needs. This will occur in a phased approach and may include but is not limited to: 

After completing the first two phases of the ITS program, which usually takes six to eight months, tourism stakeholders are encouraged to apply for financial assistance from SWT and other funding sources to support a series of tourism development projects. These projects are eligible for SWT matching grants of up to $30,000 and act as short-term goals that align with a 10-year vision for tourism. 

Grant funding from SWT requires a cash match or in-kind contributions that cannot be paid for staff salaries, debt, or interest payments associated with eligible projects. Tourism stakeholders are encouraged to collaborate with their local destination marketing organization and industry partners on priority projects. 

2024 Application Timeline 

Oct. 18, 2024 – Jan. 10, 2025: Application period open | View the recorded webinar or a PDF of the presentation

Late January: A review committee of industry experts will evaluate the leading applications. 

Early February: The award recipient will be notified by email. 

Dec. 31, 2025: The awardee must expend grant funds for priority projects. 

Apply Here

Application and Review Process 

Tribal entities indigenous to Washington State are encouraged to apply for the ITS program. Applicants must identify tourism as an economic development strategy and intend to work collaboratively with stakeholders as a visitor destination. 

Tourism stakeholders interested in applying for the ITS program are strongly encouraged to submit a letter of intent. SWT would like to schedule one-on-one meetings with potential applicants before they submit the ITS application.  

SWT will award the ITS program to one Tribal entity in 2024 after a review of applications by industry experts from around the state.

The review committee will evaluate applications according to the following criteria: 

Tourism Impact

Is there a clear need to develop or manage tourism assets outside of Indian gaming, including but not limited to festivals and events, cultural heritage, outdoor recreation, and agritourism? What economic, cultural, or environmental impacts might tourism have on this destination? 

Convening Capacity  

Does the local convener (a person backed by an organization) have the capacity to help plan and facilitate destination development efforts? Is the convener a trusted community partner?  

Project Readiness 

Is there a diverse range of tourism stakeholders with the time and resources to serve on a steering committee and support the early phases of the ITS program, including the development of priority projects? Are resources available for the ITS matching grant to support the priority projects identified in Phase III of the program?  

Community Engagement   

Are community members willing to engage with other tourism stakeholders in this program and provide feedback on program operations and strategies? 

Once selected, the applicant will assume a leadership role in destination development activities for the duration of the ITS program. 

Questions? 

Matthew Ozuna is the destination development manager at SWT and the primary contact for the ITS program. Tourism stakeholders can send their letters of intent and questions about the ITS program to matthew@stateofwatourism.com. They should also browse the FAQ dedicated to this program as well as the application portal FAQ. 

Funding for the Indigenous Tourism Support program is made possible through a federal grant from the Economic Development Administration, awarded to State of Washington Tourism by the Washington State Department of Commerce for tourism industry pandemic recovery and intended for rural and underserved communities.