Responsible Outdoor Travel Summit
October 9, 2024 | Vancouver, WA
The Responsible Outdoor Travel Summit convenes thought leaders in tourism, outdoor recreation, and conservation for sessions and discussions on common issues and potential solutions and partnerships. The spirit of the summit is advancing the health and vitality of public lands, natural resources, sensitive and indigenous communities, and the statewide tourism industry through responsible travel and recreation.
The summit is preceded by the State of Washington Tourism Conference on Oct. 7-8. Both events are at the Hilton Vancouver Washington.
Here’s a look at what to expect:
- A conversation with Washington’s three national park superintendents on visitor management plans and a report on the success of the Mount Rainier timed entry pilot program.
- State tourism office representatives from Oregon, Colorado, Idaho, and Washington discussing common outdoor tourism and recreation issues and cooperative initiatives at federal and state levels.
- A discussion around visitor access to public lands, including Gifford Pinchot National Forest.
- State public policy discussions with members of the legislative outdoor recreation caucus, tribes, and more.
Interested in becoming a sponsor? Contact Mike Moe, SWT Director of Strategic Partnerships and Tourism Development, at mike@stateofwatourism.com or 425-444-0589.
Venue & Lodging
The State of Washington Tourism Conference and Responsible Outdoor Travel Summit will be held at the Hilton Vancouver Washington in downtown Vancouver, a short walk from the waterfront. This block is filling up fast! Book online or call 360-993-4500 and mention the State of WA Tourism rate. Deadline to book is Sept. 16.
A second hotel block is available at the nearby Hotel Indigo on the waterfront. The group rate is $259 before taxes. Please note the $29 destination fee will be waived for bookings made through the below link. Deadline to book is Sept. 20.
Pricing & Registration
- Responsible Outdoor Travel Summit (Oct. 9): $125
- Combined Tourism Conference + Outdoor Travel Summit (Oct. 7-9): $300
Government Rates: Elected officials and government employees are eligible for discounted rates: $40 Outdoor Travel Summit only, $100 combined Tourism Conference + Outdoor Travel Summit. Special rates are also available for SWT members and partners, as well as students and organizations experiencing financial hardship.
For discount rate codes or questions, please email Michelle Thana at michelle@stateofwatourism.com.
Summit Program
Click on a time below to see details of the summit program for Wednesday, Oct. 9. View the main conference program here.
Get the day started with a buffet breakfast ahead of the summit program.
Welcome remarks by David Blandford and Port of Seattle Commissioner Fred Felleman.
Topic: Balancing Public Lands Usage and Conservation
This session will discuss what land managers in Oregon and Washington are doing to encourage safe visitor access to public lands, and how the two states can collaborate for future success.
Moderator: Mike Moe, State of Washington Tourism
Panelists:
– Andrea Martin, Recreation Policy Manager Washington – Dept. of Natural Resources
– Tracy Calizon, Assistant Director, Recreation, WWSR, Heritage, Trails – U.S. Forest Service
– Chris Havel, Associate Director – Oregon Parks and Recreation Department
– Kieron Wilde, Founder & Destination Specialist – First Nature Tours
Enjoy connecting with peers and vendors between sessions.
Topic: Western States Tourism Policy, Management and Collaboration
Join state tourism office representatives from Oregon, Colorado, Idaho, and Washington as they discuss common outdoor tourism and recreation issues and cooperative initiatives at the federal and state levels.
Moderator: David Blandford, State of Washington Tourism
Panelists:
– Harry Dalgaard, Director, Regional Based Services – Travel Oregon
– Hillary Lewkowitz, Director of Destination Development & Sustainability – Visit Colorado
– Jeremy Chase, Tourism & Marketing Administrator – Idaho Commerce
Enjoy connecting with peers and vendors between sessions.
Topic: Sustainability Strategies for Outdoor Tourism Planning and Management
O’Shannon Burns is a researcher and sustainability consultant with 15 years of experience shaping mission-driven businesses and embedding regenerative principles into operations with a focus on climate action, conservation, environmental justice, and sustainable travel and tourism. As part of Cornell University’s Sustainable Tourism Asset Management Program at the SC Johnson College of Business, O’Shannon co-developed a framework for sustainable tourism destination management that now underpins the online eCornell course on Sustainable Tourism Destination Management.
Through her consulting practice, Ochre, O’Shannon helps organizations develop research and sustainability strategies and operationalize sustainability into their work. Ochre has collaborated with TED, the National Geographic Society, Regenerative Travel, and others.
Topic: National Parks Visitation Management
Washington’s three national park superintendents will discuss visitor management plans and report on the success of Mount Rainier’s timed entry pilot program.
Moderator: Cassidy Jones, Senior Visitation Program Manager – National Parks Conservation Association
Panelists:
– Greg Dudeon, Superintendent – Mount Rainier National Park
– Sula Jacobs, Superintendent – Olympic National Park
– Don Striker, Superintendent – North Cascades National Park
Enjoy connecting with peers and vendors between sessions.
Topic: Public Policy at the Confluences of Conversation, Recreation & Tourism
Members of the legislative outdoor recreation caucus, tribes, and others will discuss state policies around recreation and tourism.
Moderator: Shiloh Burgess, Board Member – Washington State Recreation & Conservation Office
Panelists:
– Representative Cindy Ryu, Washington House of Representatives, 32nd Legislative District
– Representative April Connors, Washington House of Representatives, 8th Legislative District
– Teresa Taylor, Interim Director, Office of Economic Policy, Lummi Nation
– Fred Felleman, Port of Seattle Commissioner