Bill > HB1437

This bill addresses sustainable state tourism promotion by establishing a framework to evaluate and potentially implement an industry-funded tourism marketing assessment. The bill recognizes the tourism industry's significant economic impact in Washington state, which generates approximately $23.9 billion in annual revenue and supports over 230,000 jobs, with every tourist dollar generating $1.36 in additional economic impact. It creates a tourism self-supported assessment advisory group comprised of representatives from various tourism sectors, including lodging, beverage, arts and culture, tour operators, attractions, transportation, and a statewide tourism promotion nonprofit. The advisory group is tasked with developing recommendations for establishing a self-supported assessment, including defining which businesses would be included, determining assessment methodologies, setting assessment rates, and establishing an oversight board. The bill also modifies the governance structure of the Washington tourism marketing authority by updating board appointment processes, clarifying membership requirements, and ensuring diverse representation. The advisory group must submit its recommendations to the legislature by November 1, 2025, with the goal of creating a dedicated and sustainable funding mechanism for statewide tourism promotion and management. The provisions of this bill are set to expire on June 1, 2026, providing a structured approach to exploring a new funding model for tourism marketing.

Budget and Finance, Business and Industry

https://app.leg.wa.gov/billsummary?BillNumber=1437&Year=2025&Initiative=false