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OUTDOOR RECREATION
Matters.
WELCOME TO THE BIG TENT
The Umbrella Organization for the voice of Outdoor Recreation in Washington State.

The mission  of the Big Tent  is to promote sustainable, diverse, equitable, and inclusive outdoor experiences in Washington state through advocacy and education.

What we do:  The Big Tent advocates for sustainable state funding for recreation and conservation lands as well as sustainable and equitable development and human interaction with those lands.

Vision:  The Big Tent envisions a Washington where elected leaders, businesses, nonprofits, and residents are working together to create a more inclusive and equitable outdoor experience for all. We want to find ways to use outdoor recreation to fuel economic activity and sustain healthy outcomes in our communities.

#RecreateResponsibly to Protect Yourself, Others, and the Outdoors

During this public health crisis, spending time in outdoor spaces has become even more important for many Americans. Yet these unusual circumstances mean that all of us, from seasoned outdoor enthusiasts to families heading out to their local park for the first time, could use a little guidance about how to stay safe. The Recreate Responsibly guidelines offer a starting point for getting outside to keep yourself healthy and to maintain access to our parks, trails, and beaches. [ LEARN MORE ]


 

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/ Categories: Press

State Renews Tourism Marketing Efforts with Launch of New Board

From the office of the Governor

Gov. Jay Inslee today announced the appointment of nine members to the Washington Tourism Marketing Authority Board. The members, from a diversity of backgrounds and regions throughout the state, will oversee a new fund to promote tourism in Washington state.
 
The board appointments are the culmination of a broad stakeholder effort that began in 2011, after post-recession budget cuts eliminated the state tourism department. Washington became the only state without statewide tourism funding despite tourism being one of Washington's largest industries. The Washington Tourism Alliance reports that Washington's tourism industry supports more than 177,000 jobs and brings in more than $21 billion annually.
 
Earlier this year, a bill to renew tourism marketing passed unanimously in both houses of the Legislature and was signed by the governor in March.
"Washington has so much to offer visitors and residents alike, from our beautiful mountains, beaches, and trails to vibrant cities, rural communities, and small towns," Inslee said. "I am pleased that we are committing resources to increase awareness of our state's bounty to people from all over the country and the world. This board will help bring tourism dollars into Washington's small and large communities."
Nominations are provided by the speaker of the House of Representatives and the president of the Senate. The governor chooses eight members from those recommendations, and and appoints a ninth member at his discretion, as long as they have demonstrated experience in the tourism industry.
 
Tourism Board appointees:
Anthony Anton - President and CEO, Washington Hospitality Association, Pierce County
Jodi Kayler - VP of Marketing and Communications, Spokane Sports Commission, Spokane County
Robert Lerch - Director of Sales, EAN Holdings Inc. (Enterprise Rent A Car, National, and Alamo), Island County
Marsha Massey - Executive Director, Olympic Peninsula Visitor Bureau, Clallam County
Vijay Patel - President, A-1 Hospitality Group, Benton County
Rob Sendak - Director of External Affairs, Washington Wildlife & Recreation Coalition, King County
Judy Tuohy - Executive Director, Schack Art Center, Snohomish County
Tiffany Turner - CEO, Adrift Hotels Inc., Pacific County
Cynthia Verge - Executive Director, Skagit Valley Tulip Festival, Skagit County
The new board will be housed in the state Department of Commerce, and members will serve four-year terms with the option to be re-appointed.
 
All appointments are effective immediately.

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Washington State's Outdoor Recreation Economy Generates

View the 2020 Economic Analysis of Outdoor Recreation in Washington State for details