November 8, 2023

State of Washington Tourism

State of Washington Tourism (SWT) announced the winners of its tourism awards at the recent State of Washington Tourism Conference. The awards recognize excellence in tourism work from around the state. Awards were presented for Outstanding Marketing Campaign, Rising Star in Tourism, Destination Stewardship and Tourism Hall of Leadership. The award for Outstanding Marketing Campaign was presented to Visit Walla Walla for its video series, "As Artists." The campaign, created in partnership with a local filmmaker, showcased the variety of artists living throughout the community and sharing why they chose to make Walla Walla their home.

The award for Rising Star in Tourism was presented to Shara Howard, communications manager at Visit Vancouver WA. The award is presented to a new industry professional or volunteer who has made outstanding contributions to the tourism efforts of a business, nonprofit organization, community, or tourism business segment. Nominees must have tenures in tourism of 5 years or less. The Destination Stewardship Award was presented to Embrace Whidbey and Camano Islands for Regenerative Places, a Community-Based Tourism Model. State of Washington Tourism also inducted two industry veterans into the Tourism Hall of Leadership. Mary Kay Nelson was recognized for her work with the Lewis County Visitors Bureau, Visit Rainier and the White Pass Scenic Byway. Marcus Yearout, retired owner of the ScenicWA guides, was recognized for his work to promote Washington state through guides at both the state and local level. State of Washington Tourism (the recently rebranded Washington Tourism Alliance) is an organization established by industry stakeholders with the mission of developing and sustaining Washington state destination tourism marketing. SWT procures and administers funds for state destination tourism marketing activities and creates and implements the strategic statewide destination marketing plan.