State of Washington Tourism (WTA)

The Washington Tourism Alliance (wta) was formed in 2011 and is a 501(c)(6) not for profit organization. After the closure of the state-run Tourism office, the wta was established by industry stakeholders with the sole mission of sustaining Washington State destination Tourism marketing and other statewide, year-around programs that generate economic development, bolster industry businesses and communities (with a focus on rural and underserved communities) and foster visitation management. The wta procures and administers funds for statewide destination Tourism marketing activities and implements a strategic statewide destination-marketing plan in addition to industry development and support and destination management programs. Programs include destination marketing campaigns that include advertising, paid media, social media, and other promotions, in addition to co-op marketing programs in which the Tourism industry can participate. Additionally, a travel publicity program stimulates positive travel and features editorial coverage of the destination and businesses withing. The wta travel trade development program stimulates and expands tour product for Washington State in domestic and international markets through sales missions, promotions, and hosting of client and media visits. The destination development program strengthens (and helps recover from the pandemic) the State Tourism industry; these programs include modest grants for technical assistance and sustainability, strategic development, community alignment and resource development sessions. The destination management program influences a beneficial balance of visitor volumes around the State by way of a recreational usage app, modest ads, public relations, travel advisories and traveler education on the importance of "responsible travel."