TagDave McFadden(4)

The Port of Seattle Commission is requesting authorization for its 2019 Tourism Marketing Support Program, a grant initiative now in its fourth year that distributes up to $200,000 in King County tax levy funds to local destination marketing organizations, chambers of commerce, and nonprofits to promote tourism across Washington State. Grants of up to $10,000 each require a two-to-one match from recipients and must be used for advertising, public relations, digital marketing, trade shows, or familiarization tours aimed at attracting out-of-state visitors. Over its first three years, the program funded 57 projects and generated approximately $700,000 in additional tourism marketing statewide.

The Port of Seattle's 2018 Tourism Marketing Support Program awarded grants totaling $200,000 to 26 organizations across Washington State to promote local tourism destinations. Recipients, including visitor bureaus, arts councils, and cultural organizations, received up to $10,000 each in matching funds for projects such as digital marketing campaigns, familiarization tours, and international outreach. The program required a two-to-one match, meaning for every Port dollar awarded, the recipient contributed fifty cents.

The Port of Seattle awarded $150,000 in Tourism Marketing Support grants to 18 organizations across Washington State in 2017, helping fund projects ranging from whale-watching promotions to international media campaigns. Each recipient was required to provide a matching contribution at a two-to-one ratio, generating a combined total of over $257,000 in tourism marketing funds. For 2018, the Commission increased the program budget to $200,000, with the additional $50,000 designated for cultural, eco, sustainable, or nature tourism activities.