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NORTHEAST WASHINGTON
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Spokane Region
801 W. Riverside Ave., Suite 301
Spokane, WA 99201
(800) 662-0084
www.visitspokane.com
State of the Industry
Tourism is crucial to the economic vitality of the Spokane Region. It creates jobs and taxes while promoting and celebrating the region’s quality of life and heritage.
The proof is in the expansion. The newly expanded Silver LEED Certified Spokane Convention Center is already in the planning process for its next expansion. More than $3.5 billion has been invested in improvements to downtown Spokane, with more in the works through the Downtown Revitalization Program. Northern Quest Resort & Casino is in the process of a $200+ million expansion which will include a world-class, 250 room hotel tower.
Though the industry as a whole may be experiencing a downturn, tourism in Spokane is blossoming and leading to new attractions, facilities and a thriving economy.
Tourism by the Numbers
Visitor Expenditures $884.7 million
Taxes Paid by Visitors $61.9million
Jobs Generated by Tourism 10,110
Source:
Washington State Travel Impacts, 1991-2009p
Washington State Community, Trade and Economic Development Tourism Office/
Dean Runyan Associates
Tourism Trends
Near nature. Near perfect. The Spokane Region attracts visitors who are seeking the total package. The region's outrageous outdoors and thriving cultural community offer new adventures and authentic experiences around every corner.
From an eclectic arts scene and world-class golf to the Best of Broadway and epic outdoor adventure, visitors become immersed in a culture and heritage that is uniquely Spokane.
Spokane's first-class events draw visitors from all over the world. Hoopfest, the world’s largest 3-on-3 basketball tournament, Bloomsday, the nation's largest individually timed road race, and Spokefest, Spokane's newest cycling event, continue to draw record numbers of visitors each year, solidifying Spokane as a recreational hub. Spokane has hosted several world-class events since the expansion of the Spokane Convention Center. Spokane holds the first and second place records for ticket sales for the U.S. Figure Skating Championships for 2010 and 2007, with Los Angeles taking third.
Tourism Industry Issues
Transportation, particularly air transportation through Spokane International Airport, is central to the success of tourism and meetings in the Spokane Region. Sustaining the availability of non-stop and direct flights is critical. The local business community continues to make an intentional effort which has led to the expansion of direct flights to both Chicago and San Francisco. Equally important is the continued improvement of convention, hotel and other tourism related facilities. Only through ongoing improvements can the Spokane Region continue to be recognized as a major player in both the tourism and convention industries.
To learn more, visit:
Spokane Regional Convention & Visitors Bureau
801 W Riverside, Ste 301
Spokane, WA 99201
(800) 248-3230 | (800) 662-0084
www.visitspokane.com
Washington State Travel Impacts, 1991-2008p, which prepared by Dean Runyan Associates for the Washington State Community, Trade and Economic Development Tourism Office, provides more detailed tourism data by county. To learn more about the state's impact on travel in Washington State, download this pdf >>
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For more information about Seattle's Convention and Visitors Bureau, click here >>
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