The Snoqualmie Valley is participating in the Rural Tourism Support (RTS) program from State of Washington Tourism (SWT). Now in its fourth cycle, the program incorporates a community-based approach to tourism development within a regional destination.
With consulting firm Crosscurrent Collective, sustainable tourism expert Kristin Dahl will facilitate community workshops for Snoqualmie Valley residents, tribal members, business owners and other tourism stakeholders.
Insights from the community workshops, in combination with additional research and data, will help craft a 10-year vision for tourism in the area. Grant funding from SWT will help bring that vision to fruition through a series of priority projects. These projects, identified through months of strategic planning, should align with community values and industry needs to build momentum toward a more sustainable future for tourism in the Snoqualmie Valley.
Community engagement is a hallmark of the RTS program. The workshop series plays a critical role in developing trust and understanding among tourism stakeholders while identifying areas of collaboration and consensus. This work encourages industry and community leaders to pursue sustainable tourism practices that support the region’s economy, preserve local history and culture, and safeguard natural resources. The RTS program in the Snoqualmie Valley will feature a kickoff event for tourism stakeholders, in addition to four interactive workshops and two networking events.
| Tues., Jan. 28, 4–6 p.m. Snoqualmie, WA | Snoqualmie Valley Tourism Summit: Visioning + Scenario Planning (Full-Day Workshop): Participants will think strategically, examine potential futures, and align tourism efforts to support the region’s economy, preserve local history and culture, and safeguard natural resources. |
| Wed., Jan. 29, 9 a.m.–4 p.m. Snoqualmie, WA | Tues., Feb. 25, 9 a.m.–4 p.m. |
| Tues., Feb. 25 9 a.m.–4 p.m. | Destination Stewardship (Full-Day Workshop) Learn more about sustainable tourism practices that protect a |
| Carnation, WA | destination’s cultural, economic, and environmental wellbeing for residents and visitors. |
| Tues., Feb. 25 5–6 p.m. Carnation, WA | Networking Event: A celebration of the RTS program’s completion! |
| Wed., Feb. 26 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. Carnation, WA | Visitor Management for Outdoor Recreation Destinations (Full-Day Workshop) Draw inspiration from other popular destinations to develop collaborative strategies for visitor management in the Snoqualmie Valley. |
| Tues., March 18 9 a.m.–4 p.m. Snoqualmie, WA | Cultural Tourism: Creating Sense of Place (Full-Day Workshop) Discover, celebrate, and expand opportunities to share our valley’s rich and diverse cultures — past and present. |
| Tues., March 18 5–6 p.m. Snoqualmie, WA | Networking Event A celebration of the RTS program’s completion! |
Activities associated with the RTS program are free and open to all tourism stakeholders; however, interested parties must register in advance to ensure proper event management with facilities and catering.
The RTS program is specifically designed for residents, business owners, nonprofit professionals and other individuals involved with travel and tourism. Organizers recommend participants attend as many workshops and networking events as possible to maximize impact.
For more information on the RTS program in the Snoqualmie Valley, including registration, please visit https://industry.stateofwatourism.com/rts-snoqualmie-valley/. For general inquiries about the RTS program in the Snoqualmie Valley, please contact Amy Kosche with the SnoValley Chamber (amy@snovalley.org, 425-888-6362).
Funding for the Rural Tourism Support program is made possible through a federal grant from the Economic Development Administration, awarded to State of Washington Tourism by the Washington State Department of Commerce for tourism industry pandemic recovery and intended for rural and underserved communities. State of Washington Tourism oversees the Rural Tourism Support program, which is facilitated by Crosscurrent Collective in partnership with the Snoqualmie Valley Regional Chamber of Commerce.
About State of Washington Tourism
State of Washington Tourism (the recently rebranded Washington Tourism Alliance) is a 501(c)(6) organization established by industry stakeholders with the sole 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. Visit the destination website at www.stateofWAtourism.com or the tourism industry site at www.industry.stateofWAtourism.com.
About Snoqualmie Valley Regional Chamber of Commerce
The SnoValley Regional Chamber is a regional chamber of commerce serving the business communities of Fall City, North Bend, Preston, Snoqualmie, and Snoqualmie Pass. Chamber members support each other while also promoting the Snoqualmie Valley as a visitor destination for those seeking natural beauty and outdoor adventure, agritourism and cultural heritage, as well as gaming and entertainment. The SnoValley Chamber also advocates on behalf of its members to multiple levels of government.
About Crosscurrent Collective
Crosscurrent Collective is a planning, strategy and engagement firm that supports communities as they design, build and manage world-class outdoor recreation destinations. It focuses on developing unique experiences, cultivating vibrant regional outdoor recreation and tourism economies, and helping leaders strike a delicate balance between visitation, preserving local values and maintaining healthy ecosystems. It designs processes that support inclusive, community-based decision-making and collaborative action to drive local solutions. Learn more at www.CrosscurrentCollective.com.
