Funding Tourism in Washington State 
Port of Seattle Presentation 
July 22, 2014 
Andy Olsen, Washington Tourism Alliance

Tourism Funding Legislation 
Substitute House Bill 2229 - Passed 47-0 in the Senate; 88-8 in
the House; signed by Governor Inslee. Intent to enact a
mechanism that provides stable long-term funding. 
1.  Finds that a statewide marketing program is best executed
and financed by the private sector 
2.  Establishes principle that all sectors of tourism industry
should participate in funding a long term marketing
program 
3.  Directs state agencies to work with the Washington
Tourism Alliance to structure such a program 
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4.  Outlines allocation of funds to be raised from 5
sectors of the industry and notes that others will
be asked to contribute on a continuing basis 
5.  Directs that the board have majority
representation from assessed sectors - may
include other representatives of those
businesses which contribute to the funding. 
6.  Requires a report to the Legislature by
December 1, 2014 about funding and
governance proposals 
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Total Revenue from sector: $20.7 B    Total Travel/Tourism related revenue: $5.0 B 
Major Sectors      % of Revenue 
Travel related 
Lodging      90% 
Food        23% 
Attractions    29% 
Retail         10% 
Transportation  46%

Sector percentages and amounts: 
Accommodations  32%      $2.4 million 
Food Service     28%       $2.1 million 
Attractions       13%       $975 thousand 
Retail            19%       $1.425 million 
Transportation     8%       $600 thousand
Total                     $7.5 million 
Additional funding anticipated  Ports, Tribes,
wineries, airlines, cruise lines, Chambers/Economic
Development Organizations, DMOs 
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Who Will Oversee the Implementation 
of a Statewide Marketing Plan? 
Assessed tourism industry sectors 
Community based tourism marketing organizations 
Representatives from non-assessed sectors and the
business community 
Geographically diverse 
Large and small businesses 
Still in draft form - continued input is desired 

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Long-term funding Legislative Report
due by December 1, 2014 
Identify sector collections of funding 
Develop annual marketing plan 
Identify "other sectors" 
Reaffirm governance structure 
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