The Washington Tourism Alliance Picks Up Where Washington State Left Off
Nationally, Washington State is known for only a handful of things: Nirvana, inappropriate conduct with horses, etc. But since this summer, the state has adopted an additional attribute: the only one in the union without a government-run tourism department. Last weekend, a non-profit started work to fill the gap.
You'll recall how, back in June, the AP reported that Washington State, stuck staring down an epic budget gap with no signs of rectification on the horizon, had to make some tough cuts. One of the toughest (and, arguably, most short-sighted) was to cut the tourism department. You know, the one that brings people to the state, in spite of how much the curmudgeons may hate it, so that they can spend money. The one that represents a billion-dollar industry that employs over 3% of the state's employees. You may also recall that at least one for-profit, private entity was ready to step in and spread the good word about Washington--that is, as soon as they could get their website up and running properly.
Now, the AP says, there's a new kid on the proverbial block, who met last week in Yakima to start making plans. Called The Washington Tourism Alliance, the group (whose website is also not great, but does not appear to feature any Lorem Ipsum that we could see) is almost entirely made up of volunteers, who just want to work together to see the state (and its businesses) thrive, despite the bleak economic climate.
The City of Seattle has already taken matters into its own hands, with tourism-driving initiation designed to make the city itself more attractive to potential visitors (and their potential money), but the rest of the state has essentially been left high and dry--something that not only adversely impacts the possibility for bringing in out-of-state dollars, but also makes it difficult for residents to find information about things to do and places to go.
The group, which has only been in existence since February of this year, already has a host of impressive professional partners and members. Its board, too, is comprised of influential business owners and decision-makers from across the state, which bodes well for its prospects.
Of course, the WTA is facing the same trouble as the government was--it takes money to make money--but that's what the planning is all about. And while it remains to be seen how well this venture will work out, pro-active moves by the private sector may end up being what ultimately bails out a state that can barely keep the lights on.
Even if it means more tourists ignoring this day and coming anyway.
