Visit Spokane

Visit Spokane
Name	Visit Spokane
Type	Destination marketing organization
Founded	1974
Headquarters	Spokane, Washington
Region served	Spokane County, Washington
Key people	Robb Allen

Visit Spokane is the destination marketing organization based in Spokane, Washington responsible for promoting the Spokane metropolitan area, coordinating convention sales, and supporting regional attractions and hospitality. It works with municipal agencies, cultural institutions, sports organizations, and hospitality providers to attract conventions, festivals, and leisure travelers to the Inland Northwest. The organization interacts with entities ranging from the City of Spokane and Spokane County to the Washington State Convention Center network and regional arts institutions.

History

Visit Spokane traces its roots to mid-20th century civic booster movements in Spokane County and formalized as a nonprofit destination marketing group in the 1970s. Its development paralleled growth in regional transportation hubs including Spokane International Airport and the expansion of hospitality capacity such as the The Davenport Hotel and the Spokane Convention Center. Throughout the late 20th century, Visit Spokane collaborated with legacy institutions like Riverfront Park (Spokane, Washington), Gonzaga University, and regional fairs such as the Spokane Interstate Fair to build convention business. In the 21st century, the agency adapted to digital marketing trends and joined broader networks alongside organizations like U.S. Travel Association and statewide counterparts including Visit Seattle and Travel Washington.

Organization and Governance

The entity operates as a public-private partnership with a board comprising representatives from local hotels, the Spokane Regional Chamber of Commerce, tourism stakeholders, and public officials from the City of Spokane and Spokane County. Executive leadership has worked with hospitality leaders from properties such as The Davenport Hotel and Hilton Spokane while liaising with economic development bodies including Greater Spokane Incorporated. Financial oversight aligns with municipal lodging tax ordinances administered by Spokane County Auditor-level processes and coordinated with state regulators like the Washington State Department of Revenue. Governance practices reflect standards promoted by national organizations like the Destination Marketing Association International.

Marketing and Promotional Activities

Visit Spokane executes integrated campaigns leveraging relationships with media outlets such as the Spokesman-Review and broadcast partners including KREM (TV) and KXLY-TV. Promotional work targets feeder markets accessible via airlines serving Spokane International Airport and collaborations with regional tourism partners including Coeur d'Alene, Idaho, Pullman, Washington, and Sandpoint, Idaho. The organization markets heritage attractions like Manito Park and Northwest Museum of Arts and Culture, culinary scenes tied to establishments such as Boursin-inspired local restaurants and craft beverage producers associated with Spokane Craft Brewers initiatives. Digital strategies align with data platforms used by groups like Google travel products and industry analytics from STR, Inc. and Tourism Economics.

Tourism Services and Visitor Facilities

Visit Spokane provides concierge-style services for meeting planners coordinating at venues including the Spokane Convention Center, The Podium, and arenas used by teams such as the Spokane Chiefs (WHL). It works with accommodations ranging from historic properties like The Davenport Hotel to national chains represented by brands such as Hilton Worldwide and Marriott International. Visitor information desks link to transportation services including Greyhound Lines and regional shuttle operators, and to attractions like Mobius Science Center and the Centennial Trail. The organization supports accessibility initiatives in collaboration with local disability advocacy groups and facilities managers at parks such as Riverside State Park.

Economic Impact and Partnerships

The organization measures economic contributions through metrics analogous to reports by U.S. Travel Association and partners with research firms like Dean Runyan Associates and Tourism Economics to quantify lodging tax receipts, convention delegate spending, and job impacts across sectors including hospitality employers represented by the American Hotel and Lodging Association. Strategic partnerships include regional economic development agencies like Greater Spokane Incorporated, cultural institutions such as Spokane Symphony, and sports event organizers from entities like USA Track & Field and NCAA. Funding sources mix municipal lodging taxes, membership dues from industry partners, and cooperative marketing grants from statewide programs such as Travel Washington.

Events and Attractions Coordination

Visit Spokane plays a convening role for major events and festivals including coordination with organizers of Bloomsday Run, Pig Out in the Park, Spokane County Interstate Fair, and music festivals that use venues like Riverfront Park (Spokane, Washington). It collaborates with performing arts organizations such as the Spokane Civic Theatre and Spokane Symphony on audience development and with sports promoters for events hosted at facilities like The Podium and the Spokane Veterans Memorial Arena. The organization also interfaces with federal land managers when events touch areas near Liberty Lake or Mount Spokane State Park and with convention bureaus from other cities for bid development.

Criticisms and Controversies

Critiques have arisen concerning allocation of public lodging tax funds and the balance between funding major events versus neighborhood-level cultural initiatives, mirroring debates seen in other destinations such as Seattle and Portland, Oregon. Questions have been raised in public meetings with officials from the City of Spokane about transparency, competitive bidding for contracts with marketing agencies, and the distribution of tourism benefits across Spokane neighborhoods. Stakeholders including small-business associations and cultural nonprofits have occasionally challenged prioritization decisions, prompting calls for increased performance reporting and community engagement similar to reforms advocated by advocacy groups like Good Jobs First and oversight practices seen in other municipal tourism boards.

Category:Spokane County, Washington