Tourism Development

Item No.

10b_supp

Meeting Date: January 27, 2026

Tourism Marketing Support Program Reauthorization

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Tourism Marketing Support Program
The TMSP grant program advances the mission of
the Port's larger tourism development strategy by
providing local partners with key funding to help
drive responsible visitation to our region.
Each proposed project is evaluated by an internal
panel for its destination stewardship,
environmental, and equity impact.
Today, we are requesting re-authorization of the
program - at the same funding level as the
previous cycle - for up to $600k for 2026/27.
2024 - US Travel Assoc..

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Impact of Travel to Washington
Tourism is not just about "heads in beds" or
visitor spending-it's about local jobs, small
business survival, and community vibrancy.
Tax revenues generated help fund
infrastructure, civic amenities, public services,
the arts, and more.
Tourism delivers jobs for our families, aids
cultural preservation, promotes sustainable
practices, and tourism is integral to
community well-being and future prosperity

Visitor Spending
$25.1 Billion
Tax Revenues
$3.4 Billion
Total Jobs Supported
232,500
2024 - US Travel Assoc..

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How Tourism Marketing Supports Locals
1. Combats Negative or Outdated Perceptions
Reframes Seattle's story through trusted media and firsthand experiences to further efforts in restoring visitor
confidence, especially in international markets.
2. Keeps Our Region Top-of-Mind Amid Intense Global Competition
US Destinations are facing growing anti-US sentiment which has increased competition for attracting high-value visitors
who stay longer and spend more.
3. Advances more Equitable Visitor Spending
Directs visitors beyond downtown and peak seasons helping spread economic benefits to neighborhoods, rural areas,
and small businesses.
4. Addresses Community Concerns About Impact
Uses responsible tourism messaging to set expectations, reduce overcrowding, protect natural assets, and respect local
culture.
2024 - US Travel Assoc..
5. Reduces Economic Uncertainty & Volatility
Builds resilience by diversifying markets and visitor segments, helping stabilize jobs, businesses, and public revenue.
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Tourism Development: The Big Picture
• Partnership w/ SWT and Visit Seattle
• Create resiliency in Seattle's tourism
pipeline
• Share success and deliver value to local
businesses through leadership and
opportunity
• Amplify community voices and drive
visitation when/where it is needed most.
• Embrace best practices for destination
stewarship

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Tourism Development - 2025 Highlights
The TMSP complements and bolsters the larger scope of the Port's tourism work

• Korean Product Developer Fam
• German HAL Fam
• Edelweiss Media Tour
• Northstar Travel Agent Trainings
• "Destination Pacific Northwest"
w/Washington State Wine
• Media value of over $12 million

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Delivering Value for our Partners
• Responsible Tourism Campaign at SEA
• Featuring dozens of local partners
• Visitor Information Chatbot
• Ability to nudge visitors when and where they are
needed
• Tourism Marketing Support Program
• Provides up to $20k per recipient (up to $600k total)
• Focus on responsible, eco-conscious, and equitable
projects
• Two tiers of grants allow smaller, less-visible
organizations to participate
• Upon re-authorization, application window will launch
immediately.

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Responsible Travel Principles
•Shop Local - Support locally-owned businesses
and keep dollars in our community, helping us to
maintain Seattle's distinct and authentic
personality.
•Explore Beyond the Typical - Go off the beaten
path and discover the diverse and captivating
neighborhoods that make our region so special.
•Embrace Local Arts & Culture - Meet locals and
seek out authentic cultural experiences to get
more out of your trip and gain a deeper
understanding of the world.
•Use Alternative Transportation - Use public
transportation, carpool, or bike whenever possible
to reduce your carbon footprint and help prevent
overcrowding in popular destinations.

Avoid Overcrowding - Book during slower periods,
travel at a leisurely pace, and seek out comparable
alternatives to popular attractions, shops, and
trails.
Respect the Land - Washington state is known for
its stunning natural beauty. Leave it in a better
condition than you found it, packing out everything
brought in, properly disposing of waste, and
avoiding single-use plastics.
Support First Nations - Learn about, experience
and respect the cultures and traditions of
Washington's Indigenous peoples, who have called
this land home for thousands of years.
Protect Public Lands - Follow all posted rules and
regulations in parks and public lands. Purchase
appropriate passes and permits to support vital
maintenance and conservation efforts.
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Tourism Marketing Support Program Evaluation
• Internal five-person panel from across departments
• Evaluation Built to Advance Responsible, Equitable Tourism
• Overall Impact
• Inclusivity and Equity Impact
• Environmental impact
• Off-season promotion

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Example TMSP Projects and Partners

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Thank you!

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