WASHINGTON STATE

Washington State House Democrats

HOUSE DEMOCRATS

Rep. Morris’ tourism-promotion bill heads to governor

State government will edge back into an official relationship with the marketing of Washington as a tourist destination under a bill by Rep. Jeff Morris that won final legislative approval March 6.

 “We need to tell the rest of the world how great our state is, and why it’s a terrific place to visit,” Morris, D-Mount Vernon, said. “Tourism means jobs for our state and a boost for our economy.”

Morris’ House Bill 2229  calls on the Washington Tourism Alliance, a non-profit industry organization, to submit a report to the Legislature by Dec. 1 that includes a proposal for private funding of a marketing program. The bill also directs state agencies to help the WTA develop a method for collecting money for the program from various sectors of the tourism and hospitality industry.

Washington is the only state without a standing tourism promotion effort financially supported by state government, according to the WTA. The WTA is receiving $1 million in “bridge” funding from the state in 2013-15 to support its activities pending development of a long-term private financing plan.

The Senate unanimously approved the bill today. It was overwhelmingly approved by the House earlier in the session and now goes to the governor for signature into law.