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Rural Tourism Support (RTS) Program

WASHINGTON TOURISM ALLIANCE

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Funding Amount

Varies

Deadline

Rolling / Open

Grant Type

foundation

Overview

Rural Tourism Support (RTS) Program

Funder: State of Washington Tourism (Washington Tourism Alliance)

Geographic Scope: Washington State, targeting rural and tourism-dependent communities

Program Type: Strategic destination development program with community-based approach

Program Overview:
The RTS program guides development of an actionable vision for regional tourism among stakeholders in rural communities. It serves as a key pillar of SWT's destination development strategy and operates as a vital resource for underserved communities.

Program Duration: 6-9 months of facilitated workshops and planning

Key Components:

  • Community tourism approach to destination development

  • Facilitated by sustainable tourism expert Kristin Dahl (Crosscurrent Collective)

  • Local stakeholder committee determines key action items

  • 10-year vision development for destination evolution

  • Regional, national, and global travel trend analysis

  • Goal: Improve quality of place for visitors and residents

  • Focus on sustainable tourism and regenerative travel

    • Eligibility:

  • Must identify tourism as economic development strategy

  • Intent to work collaboratively with regional partners

  • Applicant types: Destination marketing organizations, businesses, community organizations, local governments, tribal governments and enterprises, or combinations thereof

  • Must represent underserved/rural communities

    • Selection Process:

  • Competitive selection by panel of industry experts

  • Annual selection of destination partner

  • Inaugural selection (2021): Tri-County Economic Development District (TEDD) in Northeastern Washington

  • Second selection (2023): Walla Walla region

  • Third selection (2024): Snoqualmie Valley

    • Post-Program Opportunities:

  • Upon successful completion, tourism stakeholders encouraged to apply for financial assistance from SWT and other funding sources

  • Support available for priority projects identified in community workshops

    • Contact: Matthew Ozuna, SWT Destination Development Manager, matthew@stateofwatourism.com

    Website: industry.stateofwatourism.com

    How to Apply

    Application Process

    1. Download application form for RTS program from State of Washington Tourism

    2. Application contents:
    - Identification of tourism as economic development strategy
    - Demonstration of intent to collaborate with regional partners
    - Description of visitor destination goals
    - Regional context and stakeholder commitment
    - Project objectives and timeline

    3. Submission:
    - Submit via email to Matthew Ozuna, matthew@stateofwatourism.com
    - Include "Destination Development Application" in subject line
    - Application deadline: Varies by cycle (historically April 20 for spring cycles)
    - Award announcement: Approximately 3-5 weeks after deadline

    4. Evaluation:
    - Competitive review by panel of industry experts
    - Evaluation based on tourism strategy, collaboration potential, and community readiness

    5. Program participation (if selected):
    - 6-9 months of community workshops and planning sessions
    - Facilitation by sustainable tourism expert
    - Stakeholder committee formation
    - Development of 10-year destination vision
    - Strategic action planning

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    Focus Areas & Funding Uses

    Fields of Work

    travel-tourismcommunity-developmentnonprofits

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