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Washington Tourism Alliance . Washington Lodging Asscociation October 3 , 2011. Remember These Numbers. $15 Billion = Spend on tourism in Washington state $ 1 Billion = Tax revenue generated 148,000 = Jobs 80% = Small businesses in this state are tourism related
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Washington Tourism Alliance Washington Lodging Asscociation October 3, 2011
Remember These Numbers • $15 Billion = Spend on tourism in Washington state • $ 1 Billion = Tax revenue generated • 148,000 = Jobs • 80% = Small businesses in this state are tourism related • $365 per household in taxes paid by visitors, not us! THESE ARE REAL NUMBERS
Changes to Tourism Budgets 2010-2011 • 1. Hawaii 15.5% ($83 M) • 2. California 0.0% • 3. Texas 18.0% • 4. Illinois -24.5% • 5. Louisiana 68.6% • 6. Florida 27.8% • 7. Michigan 46.9% • 8. Alaska 59.6% • 9. Colorada 7.6% • 10. Virginia 25.6%Top
WTA - What is it? • Non profit 501(c)6 • Volunteer led organization • Advocate, promote and develop tourism within State • Facilitate cooperative marketing across the State • Expand awareness of Washington State • Consolidate and leverage assets turned over by State
WTA to-date • Interim Board selected current Board of Directors representing industry and regions • 20 current members (4 from Hotel Industry) • 2 vacancies-Arts & Culture and Retail • 2 At large to be selected • Executive Director on board August 1 • First Board Meeting August 17 • Executive Committee selected • By-laws approved
WTA Short Term Goals • Not lose tourism momentum with loss of State funding • Fill the short term gap – do not let any other State take advantage of our transition • Leverage all of the private resources we have State wide • Raise money fast • Rally support from all four corners and strengthen partnerships • Acquire state assets and enhance usability • It will be a grass roots effort
Official WA State Visitor’s Guide • Strategic Partnership with WLA/WTA • SINGLE GUIDE!!!!! • Potential revenue stream for WTA • Extend the Brand and promote the website
How Can YOU Help? • Join the WTA • Become a committee member • Attend the upcoming Round Tables • Be a Champion for our strategic partnership
Founding Partners • Spokane Regional CVB • Tulalip Resort Casino • Washington Indian Gaming Association • Washington Lodging Association • WRA • WSDMO • Port of Seattle • PSAC • Puyallup Fair & Events Center • Red Lion Hotels • Ride the Ducks • SCVB • Seattle Hotel Assn • Seattle Southside DMO • Argosy Cruises + Tillicum Village • Best Western Hotels of WA State • Bill Speidels's Underground Tour • City of Port Townsend • Clipper Vacations • Destination Media Alliance, LLC • Grant County Tourism Commission • Leavenworth COC • Olympic Peninsula Tourism Commission
Founding Associate Partners • Saga City Media • San Juan Islands CVB • Ski Washington • Snohomish County Lodging Association • Snohomish County Tourism Bureau • Sterling Hospitality • TRCVB • Tri-Cities CVB • Black Ball Ferry Line • City Pass, Inc • Future of Flight • HeathmanLodge • Island County Tourism • KalispelTribe of Indians • NW Winter Sports Foundation • Port Madison Enterprises • Port of Kennewick • Union Gap Tourism • Vancouver USA Regional Tourism Office • Visit Bellevue WA • Yakima Valley Visitors + Convention Bureau
We Only Get One Shot! • Critical time for Washington State • Many communities, businesses and jobs are at risk • Other States increasing investment to steal our potential visitors • Take Control of our Destiny • Failure is not an option
REMEMBER… • Tourism is not an expense…..It’s an investment !!!
Suggestions • What ideas do you have? • What recommendations can you give us for a long term funding model? • What suggestions do you have for fund raising? • Where can you help?