State of Washington Tourism (SWT) chose the Snoqualmie Valley for its 2025 Rural Tourism Support Program. Now, they need residents’ thoughts on what tourism should look like over the next 10 years.
The program, started in 2021, “incorporates a community-based approach to tourism development within a regional destination,” according to a news release. Each year, one regional destination is chosen by industry experts based on regional benefit, convening capacity, project readiness and community engagement.
“[The Snoqualmie Valley] was chosen for a number of factors, including its proximity to the Seattle metro area, buy-in from a wide range of tourism stakeholders and desire for destination management,” said Matthew Ozuna, destination development manager for SWT.
After a series of community workshops, SWT provides grant funding for priority tourism projects backed by the ideas collected at the workshops. Projects are eligible for a total of $30,000 in grant funding, which the awardee must use by the end of the program year.
The Snoqualmie Valley program will include three networking events and four interactive workshops:
4-6 p.m. Jan. 28 in Snoqualmie: A kickoff networking event to foster collaboration and inform participants about the program.
9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Jan. 29 in Snoqualmie: A workshop on visioning and scenario planning, where participants will think of tourism efforts that support the region’s economy while preserving local history and culture and protecting natural resources.
9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Feb. 25 in Carnation: A workshop on destination stewardship, where participants will learn about tourism practices that protect a place’s cultural, economic and environmental well-being.
5-6 p.m. Feb. 25 in Carnation: Networking event for tourism stakeholders with trivia, prizes and guest speakers.
9 a.m to 4 p.m. Feb. 26 in Carnation: A workshop on visitor management for outdoor recreation destinations, drawing inspiration from other popular outdoor destinations.
9 a.m to 4 p.m. March 18 in Snoqualmie: A workshop on cultural tourism and how to celebrate and share the Snoqualmie Valley’s cultures.
5-6 p.m. March 18 in Snoqualmie: A final networking event to celebrate the completion of the program.
For more information about the events and to register, go to stateofwatourism.com.