SEATTLE – The Port of Seattle announces the 2017 Tourism Marketing Support Program available for organizations across the state of Washington. The match funding can be used for a variety of tourism marketing efforts such as website development, advertising and participation in travel trade shows. The focus is to increase out-of-state tourism and promote Port of Seattle travel related facilities such as Sea-Tac International Airport, cruise terminals and recreational marinas. Application forms and proposals for the 2017 program are due February 22, 2017.
“We are impressed with the results from last year’s grant winners and this is a great way to boost tourism for the state of Washington,” said Port Commissioner John Creighton. “We remain committed to working with our partners to get more visitors to destinations across our state.”
The Port of Seattle is making $150,000 available to organizations such as chambers of commerce, convention and visitor bureaus (CVBs) and regional tourism organizations; government entities such as counties, cities, port districts, Native American nations, or state/federal agencies; and non-profit organizations focusing on events or activities that attract visitors. The maximum fund request from an organization is $10,000.
“With the Port of Seattle’s support, we are able to change the market for Walla Walla by advertising to likely flying travelers from out of state,” said Mary Angelo, Director of Client Services, DVA Advertising and Public Relations.
“The Port of Seattle’s matching grant allowed our organization to present at the IPW travel trade show, garnering contacts and interest that will lead to an increase in international visitors to our destination,” said Sherrye Wyatt of Whidbey and Camano Islands Tourism.
“The Port of Seattle’s application process was very easy, and the 24th annual Wintergrass Music Festival was able to see four times the click rate on our website, which resulting in a 56 percent increase in out of state ticket purchases,” said Wendy Tyner of the Wintergrass Music Festival.
About the Port of Seattle
Founded in 1911, the Port owns and operates Seattle-Tacoma International Airport, two cruise ship terminals, Fishermen’s Terminal—home of the North Pacific fishing fleet, one grain terminal, a public cargo terminal, four public marinas, and manages a number of real estate assets for financial return and economic advantage. The Port’s operations currently help create nearly 200,000 jobs and $7 billion in wages throughout the region. Over the next 20 years, the port’s “Century Agenda” seeks to create an additional 100,000 jobs through economic growth while becoming the nation’s leading green and energy-efficient port. Learn more at www.portseattle.org.
