In July 2020, the Port of Seattle Commission considered a $1.5 million joint marketing agreement with the Washington Tourism Alliance to help rebuild tourism after COVID-19 caused a 75% drop in passenger traffic at Seattle-Tacoma International Airport and a 72% decline in hotel room revenue. The funds, drawn from the Port's property tax levy, would support a 15-month campaign targeting U.S. and Canadian travelers to restore visitor spending, hospitality jobs, and economic activity across Washington State. The initiative aimed to increase year-over-year travel volume by 50% and SEA airport passenger numbers by 60% by April 2021.Open full document
Notes
A Commission agenda memorandum requesting authorization for the Executive Director to execute a $1.5 million joint marketing agreement with Washington Tourism Alliance (WTA) to promote tourism recovery in Washington State and Canada. The agreement, funded by the Port property tax levy, responds to dramatic COVID-19-related declines in travel and hospitality, including a 75% reduction in SEA airport passenger volume and 72% decline in hotel room revenue. The proposed 15-month program includes marketing campaigns, destination branding, and strategies targeting domestic and North American air markets.
