News ~ Local Efforts to Promote Southeast Washington Region’s Economic Development Through Tourism Continue
March 29th, 2007
During the past few years, significant changes that have caused a fundamental shift for the travel, tourism, and real estate industry have occurred. People are placing a greater premium on value, and the Internet has created market transparency. Not only do people have more travel choices. but they are able to easily compare prices from around the world. Consumers are smarter and better informed than ever before.
However, pricing is often not the most important consideration. People today are looking for compelling experiences, not just the lowest price. They will pay more but they want an exceptional travel expe¬rience in return. And not only are people seeking terrific experiences, they want them tailored to their personal tastes and travel behaviors.
And finally, consumers are making decisions based on experiences. not products. To be successful. we must position our local community as one that affords a summary of extraordinary experiences not individual products. The new reality requires working together to present the Tri-Cities region as a destination portfolio.
The Tri-Cities Visitor and Convention Bureau (TCVCB) is keenly aware of these marketplace realities, and the pro¬grams we manage are expanding tourism and positioning the Tri-Cities within cho¬sen markets, including: Convention and Sports Sales; Media Outreach; Heritage and Eco- Tourism; Tourism Development; and the Tri-Cities Rivershore Enhancement Council.
In fact, travel and tourism is now a leading industry in the Tri-Cities. Visitors are spending more than $296 million annually with local businesses. We are becoming a vibrant, waterfront destina¬tion with beautiful, well-planned river trails. The Columbia Valley, Yakima Valley and Red Mountain Appellations are gaining international recognition for their premium wines. Convention book¬ings are exceeding expectations. Sports tournaments are bringing in visitors by the thousands. And the Tri-Cities’ lodging industry is providing new sales and mar¬keting resources through the Tourism Promotion Area (TPA) assessment.
As a result of TPA funding, the TCVCB booked a record 81,767 room nights in 2006-up 12 percent from 72 ,893 room nights in 2005, and up 112 percent from 38,500 room nights in 2004, before TPA funding. This means more money for local businesses and more rev¬enues for local and state tax coffers.
In 2007, we will welcome the Rotary District 5080 Convention; and begin pro¬motion for the Rotary District 5030 and PNW District Kiwanis International which arc booked for 2008. These and other meetings will bring business lead¬ers to the Tri-Cities-and highlight our region for relocation and expansion opportunities. By Kris Watkins for TCAJoB
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