Visit Tri-Cities: Innovation through collaboration improves our community
2019 marked the 50th anniversary of Visit Tri-Cities. It was a year filled with innovation, collaboration and significant achievements – further expanding the visitor economy, driving economic impact and ultimately enhancing quality of life in the Tri-Cities.
Last year visitor spending infused $560 million into the Tri-Cities, supporting over 6,300 jobs, helping local businesses flourish while building a thriving business climate where others may choose to invest. Visitor spending generated $57 million in state and local taxes, lowering Tri-Citians’ taxes and helping fund police and fire, teachers and schools and more. In short, visitor spending helps create a safe, educated, and employed community filled with many amenities.
In 2019 we achieved Destination Management Accreditation Program (DMAP) Accreditation demonstrating we are operating under best practices with our commitment to ethics, transparency and fiscal responsibility. Our entire team contributed to the 112 standards we submitted. Truly teamwork at its finest.
We are big believers in innovation, which we achieve through collaboration. With our partners, we engage in several endeavors for the betterment of our community.
The Tri-Cities Rivershore Enhancement Council (TREC) is multi-jurisdictional program coordinated by Visit Tri-Cities. TREC focuses on projects that allow the community to rediscover its shorelines; emphasize restoration and development through ecologically sound practices; and enhance recreational activities along the river. Participants include the cities of Kennewick, Pasco, Richland; Benton and Franklin counties; the ports of Benton, Kennewick and Pasco; and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.
The Tri-Cities National Park Committee, another Visit Tri-Cities program, focuses on the support, growth and advocacy for the Manhattan Project National Historical Park, including the historic B-Reactor. Our committee is led by the area’s four mayors and includes Benton and Franklin counties, Port of Benton, Sen. Maria Cantwell , Sen. Patty Murray and Congressman Dan Newhouse’s offices, National Park Service, Department of Energy, TRIDEC and the B-Reactor Museum, with participation from WSU Tri-Cities, The Reach Museum and Richland Public Library.
Through our Tri-Cities Sports Council, we enjoy great relationships with area sports professionals allowing us to attract and promote sports, creating positive economic growth for the region. In partnership with the cities, we commissioned a Sports Facilities Market Analysis & Feasibility Study to determine opportunities to expand our current sports infrastructure and attract new tournaments while improving current facilities for residents to enjoy.
Our Tri-Cities Wine Tourism Council works to enhance our agri-tourism profile, creating increased visitation to our world-class wineries. Also leading to increased visitation is our Media Outreach, which garners a significant amount of domestic and international exposure via travel writers we bring to our region. CNN Travel naming the Tri-Cities the “New West Coast Wine Region” is one such endeavor.
We have over 700 member businesses that support tourism and understand the important role it plays in driving our community's economic future.
Finally, our science tourism assets provide unique experiences that visitors cannot find in other destinations, blending our rich history with engineering marvels and the wonderment that mother nature provides.
Our focus on STEM tourism can help build the workforce of tomorrow as we plant seeds in the minds of young people that careers in STEM fields are worth pursing while introducing their families to STEM educational and career opportunities in our community. Our goal is to broaden the appeal of STEM tourism making it accessible to all – as in, you don’t have to be a brainiac to enjoy it. “Come On Get Your Geek On!” isn’t just the song title of our recently created music video highlighting many of the wonderful STEM assets in our communit it’s a call to action: Be More Cool and join us by getting your Geek On!
This story was originally published April 23, 2020 at 5:01 PM with the headline "Visit Tri-Cities: Innovation through collaboration improves our community."