Skagit Tourism Bureau CEO Kristen Keltz shares updates at Skagit Council meeting

The Sedro-Woolley City Council meeting on April 2, 2025, showcased a dynamic presentation from Kristen Keltz, CEO of the Skagit Tourism Bureau, who detailed the bureau's ambitious initiatives to boost tourism in the Skagit Valley. Keltz highlighted the bureau's mission to attract overnight visitors while promoting responsible tourism practices that preserve the area's natural beauty.

Keltz reported impressive marketing results, including 13.8 million impressions and 450,000 emails sent, which generated approximately 14,000 room nights and an estimated $3.6 million in visitor spending. The bureau's strategic use of digital marketing tools, such as Epsilon and Datify, allows for precise tracking of ad effectiveness, with a remarkable return on ad spend of 65 to 1.

The meeting also addressed the bureau's new branding campaign, featuring the tagline "Discover the Magic of Skagit," which aims to enhance the region's visibility and appeal. Keltz emphasized the importance of collaboration with local communities, ensuring that tourism efforts reflect the interests of all stakeholders, including hotels and local businesses.

Council members expressed their support for the bureau's efforts, praising the professional marketing approach and the potential economic benefits for the community. However, some concerns were raised about the representation of Sedro-Woolley events on the bureau's website, with calls for increased promotion of local attractions and activities.

Looking ahead, Keltz announced the upcoming annual tourism summit on May 15, where further insights into tourism data and future plans will be shared. The meeting underscored the Skagit Tourism Bureau's commitment to fostering a vibrant tourism economy while maintaining the unique charm of the Skagit Valley.