Published on : Thursday, April 5, 2018
As residents, we’re pretty much familiar with the Tri-Cities’ amazing weather, riverside trails, least traffic, tranquil atmosphere and major attractions which are often taken for granted, at least until we recognize that they are the main reasons for our community to get selected for conventions, sports tournaments and leisure travel.
Visitors not only tell us that we live in a first-rate destination, it also makes us conscious that tourism is one of the key driving forces in bolstering the local economy and supporting our enviable quality of life.
In 2017, tourism churned out more than $444 million in terms of visitor spending in the Tri-City region. Starting right from convention delegates, sports teams, and business to leisure travelers from all over the Pacific Northwest (and even the world!) had put in our hotels, dined in the restaurants, sipped at our wineries, and explored the local attractions as well.
Over $50 million in local and state tax receipts were gathered from tourists. This revenue supports local infrastructure, fire and police departments, transportation and education, and decreases our tax burden, in general.
Also, an energized tourism program supports miscellaneous and prosperous business community where small and medium-sized businesses like coffee shops and boutiques, thrive as a result of the economic support of visitor spending.
In return, employment opportunities are developed. In the Tri-City region, tourism sustains more than 6,150 jobs that will continue to grow with the addition of new attractions, restaurants and hotels.
Tags: Visit Tri-Cities