State of Washington Governor signs a bill for tourism funding
Washington State has taken a major step toward rebuilding its tourism economy after Governor Bob Ferguson signed in March landmark legislation allowing the private sector to fund and manage destination marketing.
The newly enacted Engrossed Second Substitute House Bill 2325 paves the way for a self-funded industry assessment that will generate dedicated annual resources for State of Washington Tourism. The move marks the culmination of more than a decade of industry advocacy following the shutdown of the state’s tourism office during the recession-era budget cuts of 2011.
Under the new framework, tourism businesses across sectors—from lodging and attractions to restaurants and retail—will have the ability to create and ratify a funding model based on a small percentage of gross revenue. A ratepayer-led oversight board will guide the process, with final approval resting in the hands of participating businesses before any funds are collected.
Early estimates suggest the program could generate at least $25 million annually, significantly boosting Washington’s tourism marketing budget from one of the lowest in the U.S. to closer to the national average. Final figures will depend on industry participation as rule-making moves forward.
The funding will be used to relaunch domestic marketing campaigns aimed at increasing leisure travel, while also expanding international promotion and trade engagement. The focus will be on attracting higher-value visitors who stay longer and spend more, supporting a more sustainable, year-round visitor economy.
The legislation builds on earlier groundwork laid by a state-appointed advisory group, whose recommendations shaped the final bill—including six-year renewable terms, strong industry governance, and a broad base of contributing tourism-related businesses.
Lawmakers backing the initiative say it gives Washington a long-overdue competitive edge. Supporters across the sector also see it as a turning point that returns control of destination marketing to the industry itself.
Next steps include the formal rule-making process and an industry-wide referendum, expected to begin in the second quarter of 2026. If approved, the program will mark a full-scale return to coordinated statewide tourism promotion, this time driven and funded by the private sector.
“This bill provides the tourism industry with the tools to come together, invest in our state, and create a sustainable approach to promoting Washington and strengthening our economy,” said Rep. Dave Paul, prime sponsor. “With everything our state has to offer, this measure is a big step forward for Washington to claim a spot as a destination on the global stage.”
Related News Stories: Destination Archives - Page 149 of 2523 - TravelMole American Cruise Lines with iconic Northwest National Parks cruises Pipeline leak could impact flight operations at Sea-Tac - TravelMole Virginia names SLC Representation as its new UK/Ireland agency EVA Air adds Washington D.C. as its 11th North American destination United flight declares 'Mayday' returns to DC airport - TravelMole Bomb threat at Washington DC airport grounds flights - TravelMole Air India suspending Washington DC flights - TravelMole Winter storm triggers further massive flight cancellations in Canada ... Just You releases new 2026/27 tours - TravelMole
newadmin
Vegas’s Billion-Dollar Secrets – What They Don’t Want Tourists to Know
Visit Florida’s New CEO Bryan Griffin Shares His Vision for State Tourism with Graham
Chicago’s Tourism Renaissance: Graham Interviews Kristin Reynolds of Choose Chicago
Graham Talks with Cassandra McCauley of MMGY NextFactor About the Latest Industry Research
Destination International’s Andreas Weissenborn: Research, Advocacy, and Destination Impact
Graham and Don Welsh Discuss the Success of Destinations International’s Annual Conference
Graham and CEO Andre Kiwitz on Ventura Travel’s UK Move and Recruitment for the Role
Brett Laiken and Graham Discuss Florida’s Tourism Momentum and Global Appeal
Graham and Elliot Ferguson on Positioning DC as a Cultural and Inclusive Global Destination
Graham Talks to Fraser Last About His England-to-Ireland Trek for Mental Health Awareness
Kathy Nelson Tells Graham About the Honour of Hosting the World Cup and Kansas City’s Future
Graham McKenzie on Sir Richie Richardson’s Dual Passion for Golf and His Homeland, Antigua
ADS PRO 
Global tourism exceeds 1.5 billion travelers announces UN-Tourism
Qatar Airways offers reduced timetable to over 60 destinations
Hands In, UATP join forces for airline multi-card payments
Suspension of all regional trains in Catalonia following two new rail accidents in Spain
AirlineRatings reveals world's safest airline rankings for 2026