Rural Tourism Support (RTS) Program

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

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