During a recent government meeting, Leslie Brasfield presented a comprehensive report on the Tourism Promotion Area (TPA) and proposed the budget and work plan for 2025. The TPA, established in September 2022, allows for a $4 fee per room night from 16 participating hotels in Spokane, aimed at enhancing tourism marketing in the region.

Brasfield highlighted that in 2023, Spokane County welcomed approximately 9.8 million visitors, generating nearly $14.5 billion in visitor spending, with an 8% increase in recreation spending. The TPA funding is primarily allocated for marketing tourism, conventions, and sporting events, with a focus on attracting visitors from within a 120-mile radius.

The report detailed the TPA's financial performance, noting that by June 2024, the TPA had generated about $590,000, surpassing the previous year's figures. Brasfield also outlined ongoing marketing efforts, including partnerships with local agencies and the launch of the Discover Spokane Valley website, which has attracted significant traffic.

A key component of the meeting was the proposal for a 2025 budget of $1.275 million, reflecting confidence in continued revenue growth. The budget aims to sustain existing contracts with marketing firms and support the development of a new sports venue in collaboration with Spokane Sports, which has identified numerous events to boost tourism.

Council members raised questions regarding the absence of medical tourism in the marketing strategy, prompting Brasfield to acknowledge the oversight and express interest in exploring this potential market. Overall, the meeting underscored the TPA's role in fostering economic growth and enhancing Spokane Valley's appeal as a tourist destination.