A series of tourism workshops featuring a resort and tourism development firm is planned during April and May in various Okanogan County locations. The Okanogan County Tourism Council recently was awarded about 250 hours of technical assistance through the state to further develop the county's tourism industry. May 13 - Methow Valley, Methow Valley Senior Center, Twisp.
Tourism is the largest industry in the world.
Although the state tourism division's primary mission is to market the state as a tourism destination, one of its goals is to assist rural communities throughout the state tap into the lucrative industry. Most communities have tremendous visitor assets, but many struggle to keep visitors in the area for extended periods of time due to a lack of visitor amenities such as lodging and resort facilities attractions, and services, said the announcement. The grant program assists rural areas that demonstrate a desire to build their tourism industries. Chandler and Brooks, a resort and tourism development firm based in Olympia, will assist the county tourism council as it works to enhance the industry. The tourism council has been charged with developing a tourism work plan for the county which will detail assignments to be facilitated by Chandler and Brooks and the tourism division.