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State of Washington Tourism Conference & Responsible Outdoor Travel Summit

Save the date: October 8-10, 2025 | Spokane

The 2025 State of Washington Tourism Conference will be held in beautiful Spokane on Oct. 8-10. SWT thanks all the sponsors, speakers, and attendees who helped make this conference a success.

Mark your calendars for next year and get ready to connect with colleagues, learn from experts, recognize industry excellence, and more. Stay tuned for details and registration!

Tourism Industry Awards

Each year, the industry celebrates innovation and excellence with a series of awards announced during the main conference program. Don’t miss the chance to submit outstanding marketing campaigns, destination stewardship work, and nominate your peers for achievement awards.

Outstanding Marketing Program Award 

Nominated marketing programs, projects, or campaigns must be a component of the organization’s overall marketing program. Successful nominations detail the primary program elements and successful quantitative or qualitative outcomes, including but not limited to a notable increase in user engagement, website visitation, overnight stays, visitor spending, or tax revenue. 

Destination Stewardship Award 

Recognizes an individual, business, or nonprofit organization that effectively promotes environmental awareness, institutes regenerative travel, or espouses community values and well-being in the State of Washington. 

Rising Star in Tourism Award 

Presented to a new industry professional or volunteer who has made outstanding contributions to the tourism efforts of a business, nonprofit organization, community, or tourism segment. Nominees must have tenures in tourism of less than five years and be currently employed in Washington’s tourism industry. Self-nominations are not accepted.

Tourism Hall of Leadership Induction 

The Tourism Hall of Leadership recognizes individual tourism professionals or volunteers who have made significant, positive, and long-lasting contributions to the industry in Washington. Inductees must be nominated by a member of the tourism industry within the state. Induction may be considered for active industry members, retired members, or be made posthumously. Generally, up to three inductions are considered each year.