SB 5251, Sen. Dean Takko (D-Kelso), passed the Legislature this week and is on its way to the Governor’s desk for signature. A two-year effort, SB 5251 creates a new Tourism Marketing Authority in Washington that will pursue a statewide tourism marketing plan. This is a big victory for the tourism industry in Washington, which has not seen a state-funded tourism office in many years. Washington is one of the only states in the nation that does not have a state-funded tourism authority.
The bill received a big boost late in session with an appropriation in the operating budget of $1.5 million. Originally only $500,00 was appropriated.
AWC supports this legislation, which would help cities implement economic development goals.