NEWS & INITIATIVES
July 4 - Aeromexico inaugurated the first daily non-stop service between Sea-Tac and Mexico City with continuing service to Guadalajara. From Mexico City, travelers are able to connect to major Mexican destinations including Acapulco, Oaxaca, Veracruz
and others.
July 12 - Seattle Hoteliers, Industry Leaders Hold 2008 Symposium. The Seattle Hotel Association and Seattle's Convention and Visitors Bureau convened the second annual Seattle Hotel Industry Outlook. More than 70 regional hoteliers met with hotel industry experts to discuss national, regional and local hotel performance, trends and forecasts. "With the strong results we have seen since the start of the year and all of the supply growth the city is experiencing, Seattle continues to have a positive economic outlook and will carry that momentum into 2008."
July 23 - Service Charge Disclosure Now Required on Menus and Receipts. Implementation of SHB 1583, which was passed by the Washington State Legislature during the most recent session, requires that the percentage of automatic service charges paid or payable directly to employees serving customers be disclosed via itemized receipts and menus. The new law impacts hotels, restaurants, stadiums, convention centers and many other tourism industry businesses. more info
August 6 - "The Most Significant Travel Reform Since 9/11." Roger J. Dow, President and Chief Executive Officer of the Travel Industry Association (TIA) and other travel industry leaders praised President Bush for signing legislation that will send a more welcoming message to international visitors to the U.S. The legislation will strengthen and expand the U.S. Visa Waiver Program, and also provide more efficient arrival procedures and services at the top-20 overseas inbound airports in the U.S. (which includes Sea-Tac International.) more info
September 24 - Light at the End of the Tunnel. The newly retrofitted downtown Seattle Transit Tunnel reopens on time for weekday bus service. Sound Transit light rail trains will join buses in the tunnel when the rail line begins operation between downtown Seattle and the airport in 2009. For more information, visit www.seattletunnel.org
September 27 - World Tourism Day. This year's theme is Tourism Opens Doors for Women. Visit www.unwto.org/wtd for more information.
October 4-7 - Seattle Takes the World Cyber Stage. The world's largest computer and video game festival will be held in Seattle. The city will host the 2007 World Cyber Games Grand Final, drawing approximately 700 finalists from more than 60 countries.
Tourism Commission
Members Announced
Statewide tourism marketing momentum increased on August 6 as Governor Gregoire announced appointments to the Washington Tourism Commission. The new commission, which was created by the governor through legislation that was signed into law last April, will work within the Department of Community, Trade and Economic Development (CTED) to help promote the state as a visitor destination. The commission will create a strategic plan for tourism development and a biennial marketing plan (expected no later than March 31, 2008). Additionally, the legislation more than doubled state funding for tourism promotion through a public-private partnership.
"Tourism is economic development," said Governor Gregoire. "Tourism means jobs and income for Washington families and businesses. Washington is a unique state with a lot to offer. People want to travel here and now we are making it clear that we want them to travel here with a comprehensive tourism strategy and sufficient funding."
Washington State Tourism Commission members have been appointed to terms beginning July 27, 2007 and, with
the exception of the designated CTED commissioner whose term ends at the governor's pleasure, all terms end
June 30, 2009.
Kim Bennett, President and Chief Executive Officer, Southwest Washington Convention and Visitors Bureau
Clinton Campbell, Vice President of Operations/Marketing Director, Campbell's Resort on Lake Chelan
Michael Campbell, President, Northwest Marine Trade Association
Dennis Clark, General Manager, Fairmont Olympic Hotel
Frank Finneran, Chair, Washington State Convention & Trade Center
Chad S. Mackay, President and Chief Operating Officer, Mackay Restaurants
Richard D. Meadows, Executive Vice President of Marketing, Sales & Guest Programs, Holland America Line
John M. Taffin, Executive Vice President of Hotel Operations, Red Lion Hotels
Brad K. Walker, Director of Leisure Marketing, Alaska Airlines
Sandra Ward, Marketing Director, Future of Flight Aviation Center and Boeing Tour
Kris Watkins, President and Chief Executive Officer, Tri-Cities Visitor and Convention Bureau
Don Welsh, President and Chief Executive Officer, Seattle's Convention and Visitors Bureau
Larry Williams, Assistant Director for International Trade and Economic Development, CTED
Duane C. Wollmuth, Co-founder and Managing Partner, Three Rivers Winery in Walla Walla
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