Tourism Industry Information | The Olympic Peninsula, WA

Industry

Tourism Impacts

Tourism is a vital component of economic development for the Olympic Peninsula. In 2018, regional visitor spending throughout Clallam, Jefferson, Mason and Grays Harbor counties combined exceeded $975 million. That same visitor spending generated $47.9 million in Washington state taxes, and another $20.4 million in local city and county taxes. Tourism supported 13,140 jobs on the Olympic Peninsula, generating local earnings of $308 million. In a rural area like the Olympic Peninsula, tourism represents a significant economic engine.

Clallam County 2018 Visitor Spending

Jefferson County 2018 Visitor Spending

Mason County 2018 Visitor Spending

Grays Harbor County 2018 Visitor Spending

Olympic Peninsula Annual Tourism Highlights 2017-2018

(Data compiled from the Washington State Travel Impacts & Visitor Volume, 2010-2018p Report, dated May 2019 and prepared by Dean Runyan Associates for Washington Tourism Alliance.)

Tourism Grant Funding

There are a variety of potential sources of grant funding for non-profit, tourism-related businesses and events. Each has its own qualifications, requirements and timelines. Many of these are funded through Washington State lodging tax, and thus must meet the state requirements for lodging tax use (Ref. RCW 67.28.1817).

Here is a reference list of some potential grant sources:

Olympic Peninsula Visitor Bureau (Clallam County)

The Olympic Peninsula Visitor Bureau (OPVB) receives funding from room tax revenues generated in unincorporated Clallam County and bears an obligation to promote and enhance lodging nights in and for unincorporated Clallam County. The Tourism Enhancement Fund is designed to encourage tourism-related projects/events in Clallam County that attract overnight visitors.

Tourism Enhancement Grant Application and Reimbursement Forms:

2023 OPVB Grant Application

2023 OPVB Grant Guidelines

2023 OPVB Grant Reimbursement Request

2023 Tourism Enhancement Grant Metrics

OPVB_Logo.jpg

OPVB_Logo.pdf

Reference List – Other Potential Grant Sources

City of Port Angeles Lodging Tax Advisory Committee

Information

Port of Port Angeles / Community Partner Program

Information

City of Sequim Lodging Tax Advisory Committee

Information

Port of Seattle / Tourism Marketing Support Program

Information

Port of Seattle / Spotlight Program

Information

Tourism Summit

Annually, tourism practitioners and businesses from around the Olympic Peninsula and surrounding areas, gather to discuss travel trends, share marketing ideas and best practices with one another. Follow this link for updates on the next Tourism Summit.

Tourism Industry Alliances

As one of our colleagues always says, “Tourism is a team sport”. In addition to the many tourism associates here on the Olympic Peninsula, we collaborate with others across the region.
State of Washington Tourism
Washington Hospitality Association
Visit Seattle
Port of Seattle
Tourism Victoria

Contact
Us

Olympic Peninsula Visitor Bureau
P.O. Box 670
Port Angeles, WA 98362
360-452-8552
[email protected]