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SOUTHWEST WASHINGTON
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Southwest Washington Convention & Visitors Bureau
101 East 8th Street, Suite 240
Vancouver, Washington 98660-3294
(360) 750-1553
www.southwestwashington.com
State of the Industry
The tremendous growth that Clark County has seen in this industry over the last several years will be tempered by more modest growth, if any, in 2009 during the national economic crisis.
Visitor spending in Clark County increased 7.8 percent in 2007, ranking it sixth out of all thirty-nine counties in Washington. More than $45 million was spent on accommodations alone, while food services accounted for $99 million and retail sales another $57 million.
Because most of those goods and services are purchased by travelers at the point of sale, the industry also generated $28.3 million in state and local tax receipts in 2007. These collections benefit not just those in the industry; they help local municipalities provide public services such as police, fire and roads without placing an added tax burden on local citizens. The industry also helps Clark County's employment picture. In 2007 industry earnings were $102.4 million, up from $95.5 million in 2006. These earnings represent 3,950 jobs for our local market.
Tourism by the Numbers
Clark County
Visitor Expenditures $420.9 million
Taxes Paid by Visitors $29.6 million
Jobs Generated by Tourism 4,040
Source:
Washington State Travel Impacts, 1991-2009p
Washington State Community, Trade and Economic Development Tourism Office/
Dean Runyan Associates
Tourism Trends
During national recession, the Vancouver and Clark County tourism industry will not be impacted to the same degree as larger leisure destinations like Seattle. The region's value and strengths as a drive market and small meetings market will serve the destination well.
Tourism Industry Issues
In 2009, the visitor and convention bureau will lead an effort to unify marketing efforts by advocating for necessary tourism infrastructure, attraction and experience enhancements that ensure a quality visitor experience.
To build broad-based awareness of the importance of tourism in the community, the bureau will work with both local government and community leaders to inform and build advocacy for tourism as an economic development strategy.
And, to insure that Vancouver, Clark County and Southwest Washington maintain a competitive position as a premiere visitor and convention destination, new funding opportunities will be explored.
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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