TOURISM TODAY INSIDE THIS ISSUE: News You Can Use News You Can Use 1 Travel, Tourism & Hospitality 5 Input Needed to Improve WA Recreation & Pass Permit System News from VIC Services 7 Washington State University is working with the The Sports Pages 8 Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife and other outdoor recreation-oriented agencies to Around Snohomish County 10 conduct a brief survey that will help generate ideas to simplify the state’s recreation and pass permit system. Final Public Presentation Aviation Attractions Wayfinding Signage Concepts The Snohomish County Parks, Recreation and Tourism Department along with an Snohomish County aviation attraction steering committee is holding a public unveiling of the visitor wayfinding signage designs that were developed for the Paine Field Aviation Attractions. This signage program study was funded with County lodging Your input is important! Because of your taxes, and will be implemented over time. familiarity with the unique interests and needs of visitors – of which many are outdoor enthusiasts The project signs will help guide visitors from major – your feedback is especially welcome. highways in and around the Paine Field Airport to the five museums and attractions that include: The Future of Flight Please consider taking 10 to 15 minutes to Aviation Center and Boeing Tour, the Flying Heritage and answer the survey questions you can find at this Combat Armor Museum, the Historic Flight Foundation, the web page: https://wsu.co1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/ Museum of Flight Restoration Center & Reserve Collection, SV_bD92N5wzEgP6Xhb and the new High Trek Adventure Aerial Course, located at Paine Field Community Park. If you have any problems accessing or completing the survey, please contact Season Hoard, the Primary goals of the project are to reduce confusion visitors survey coordinator, at (509) 335-4093 or have navigating between the attractions, and the impact to [email protected]. traffic. Another goal is to foster a welcoming sense of place for community members and visitors by highlighting the (Continued) www.Snohomish.org TOURISM TODAY SEPTEMBER 2017 Page 2 historical significance and educational opportunities of the one-of-a-kind County Voted to “Top 12 collections offered to the public at Paine Field. Outdoor Adventure Sports We invite you to attend: Spots” Final Public Presentation - Paine Field Aviation Attractions Wayfinding In July, the editors at SportsEvents Project - Thursday, November 2, 6pm - 8pm at the Future of Flight Magazine wanted to know the top 12 U.S. destinations in adventure Aviation Center Aerospace Gallery (8415 Paine Field Blvd., Mukilteo WA sports. After reviewing destinations 98275). from across the country, they compiled a Facebook ballot with a list of 25 outdoor sports destinations that are known for United Joins Alaska Air at Paine Field “adrenaline-pumping” adventure sports. From those 25 “Outdoor Next year Snohomish County residents and visitors will have increased Adventure Sports Spots,” fans were commercial flight options at Paine Field. asked to vote for their top picks. Snohomish County ranked eighth on the list based on the number of votes received. Other destinations On Aug. 10, United Airlines announced it will begin to operate six daily included Asheville and Outer flights from Paine Field to its hubs in Denver and San Francisco Banks, NC; Eugene and Medford, beginning in fall 2018. OR; Redding, CA; and San Marcos, TX. Alaska Airlines first announced its plans in May to begin commercial passenger service from Paine Field next fall with nine daily departures to destinations in Oregon and California. The specific cities have not yet been disclosed. Hotels’ New Brands, Updated Styles The combined services should almost fully occupy the two airport gates planned at the new terminal currently under construction. Propeller Renovation work is well underway Airports, the terminal’s developer, is focused on getting the terminal built at two local hotels that, when and open by next fall. finished, will sport new brand identities and updated amenities. Sources: United.com, SeattleTimes.com (Continued) www.Snohomish.org TOURISM TODAY SEPTEMBER 2017 Page 3 Holiday Inn Downtown Everett set to become Delta Hotels Seattle Everett mind. When renovation of the former Medallion Hotel is complete, the hotel will be the only Wyndham Garden in the Northwest other than Boise, Idaho. Renovation work is underway to the guestrooms and suites, the reception and lobby areas, corridors, fitness center, meeting space, and restaurant and lounge to match the Wyndham Garden’s modern style and décor. The new Garden Bistro & Lounge, Shortly after Bellingham-based Hollander Hospitality’s announced plans with seating for 80 or more, will be for an extensive transformation of the Holiday Inn Downtown Everett in open for breakfast and dinner late April, construction crews arrived to begin work. The renovation is well service and offer American cuisine. underway with an expected completion late this year. The Wyndham Garden will have The 232-room hotel brings upscale and progressive Pacific Northwest over 5,000 square-feet of meeting style and design elements throughout its public spaces and guest rooms. space for gala events, conferences, Business travelers can stay productive in their fully appointed room and meetings, banquets, silent relax in the media center. Meeting planners looking for flexible space will auctions, and weddings. The find it with 14,000 square-feet of event space, a 7,000 square-foot Garden Spa will be open to hotel ballroom to host up to 800 people, and 15 breakout meeting rooms. All guests and the public. hotel guests will enjoy the full-service restaurant and bar with private A tentative grand opening is slated dining room, high-tech guest library, modern fitness center with yoga and for November. CrossFit® space, indoor pool, free Wi-Fi, and complimentary overnight and event parking. • Address: 16710 Smokey Point Blvd, Arlington, WA 98223 This will be the first Delta Hotels’ branded property in the Seattle area. Hollander Hospitality operates multiple hotels under a number of well- • Room reservations & reserve known brands in Seattle, Puyallup, Tacoma, and Portland, Oregon. meeting space: (360) 657- 0500 More information at www.hollanderhospitality.com/hotel-properties Medallion Hotel to become Wyndham Garden WTA’s 2017 Legislative Update In late August, WTA Associate Director Mike Moe reported on the organization’s 2017 lobbying efforts: “There is no better place to be in Coming to the Smokey Point area in Arlington is Wyndham Garden, an the summertime than Washington. upscale property designed with today’s business and leisure travelers in (Continued) www.Snohomish.org TOURISM TODAY SEPTEMBER 2017 Page 4 It’s the busiest time of year for the tourism industry and passion for the WTA mission endures and that you because all around our state, visitors are enjoying the will continue to support our efforts.” beautiful destinations we have to offer. It’s also a busy time for the WTA as the results of the last legislative For more information about the WTA’s statewide session become clearer. While there was no floor tourism marketing program, advertising opportunities action taken on our bill (SHB 1123/SSB5251) in the on ExperienceWA.com and in travel guides, and the last legislative session, it is very much alive if the benefits of membership, go towww.watourismalliance. legislature reconvenes and will still be alive next com. session. Fall/Winter Visitor Guide Coming in Sept. “Our bill enjoys widespread, bi-partisan support as we head into 2018 thanks to the WTA lobbying and grassroots team and the hundreds of industry stakeholders who made sure their voices were heard by contacting their local representatives. The legislative budget included a specific appropriation item of $500,000 for fiscal year 2018 to the Department of Commerce to work with the private sector (the Washington Tourism Alliance) to develop a tourism marketing plan. “In the coming weeks, the WTA will work with the Department of Commerce to create a Request for Proposal (RFP) to select a contractor to develop a Washington State Tourism Marketing Plan. The details of the RFP will be made available as soon as possible. Our goal is to have a full marketing plan in hand when the next legislative session begins in January. “The funding to create a statewide tourism marketing plan is a giant step ahead in our mission to reestablish a statewide tourism marketing effort. The WTA has never had access to dedicated funds to fully develop a comprehensive marketing strategy for Washington. This is truly an exciting time for the tourism industry in Washington because we’ll finally have an opportunity to show what it will look like to market our beautiful state. Looking for help in planning your fall adventures and out-of-town guests’ winter celebrations? Our 2017 “Since 2011, the WTA has been working to reestablish Fall/Winter Visitor Guide will be available mid- a statewide tourism marketing organization. We know September in print and in digital format. You can pick that the road has been long and we sincerely up your copy at locations throughout the county appreciate the support shown by businesses and including libraries, hotel brochure racks, chambers of organizations from across our state. The WTA is here commerce, and local and regional visitor information today because of the extraordinary energy of our centers including: supporters. A big thank you goes out to every WTA member and industry stakeholder who participated in • East County Visitor Information Center, 1301 1st the grassroots effort this legislative session. As we St, Snohomish. 360-862-9609 start this new chapter, we hope that your enthusiasm (Continued) www.Snohomish.org TOURISM TODAY SEPTEMBER 2017 Page 5 • South County Visitor Information Center, 19921 Also in August, Group Sales Manager Kristine Vannoy Poplar Way, Lynnwood. 425-776-3977 attended the Religious Conference Managers Association Aspire in Lexington, KY.