Nonprofit Takes Over Wash. Promotion as State Shuts Tourism Office

A private nonprofit group has taken over efforts to attract tourists to Washington after it became the first state in the nation to close its official tourism agency, according to the Associated Press.

The state government eliminated money for tourism promotion in July. Suzanne Fletcher, executive director of the alliance, said businesses that depend on tourism need to take action as other states boost public spending to attract visitors. Tourism is one of Washington state’s largest industries, generating $15.2-billion in spending last year.

“If not us, who? If not now, when?” said John Cooper, head of the Yakima Valley Visitors and Convention Bureau and a member of the new alliance’s executive board. “We have to take control of our destiny.”

From The Chronicle: See an article from our latest issue about growing competition for funds as states asks nonprofits to pick up tasks governments previously paid for.

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