Spokane TPA explores new $3 tourism fee and reporting requirements

The Spokane Valley TPA Commission held a regular meeting on April 17, 2025, where key discussions centered around the recent changes to the tourism promotion area (TPA) fees and the implications of state legislation on local tourism funding.

During the meeting, it was noted that the state legislature has approved an increase in the nightly fee charged to visitors, raising it from $2 to $5. Spokane Valley is currently levying a fee of $4 per night, which is $1 less than the maximum allowed by the state. This fee adjustment was enacted through legislative action and is set to sunset on July 1, 2027, unless further legislative action is taken to extend it.

A significant point of discussion was the requirement for each tourism promotion area to review how the additional charge has been utilized and its effectiveness in generating tourism. However, concerns were raised regarding the lack of specific metrics or guidelines for this review process, which could lead to inconsistencies in reporting among different TPAs.

Commission members expressed the need for clarity on how to collect and report this data effectively. The meeting highlighted the importance of collaboration with state tourism officials, including David Blandford from the Washington State Tourism Office and Rose Noble from VISIT Spokane, to ensure that Spokane Valley can meet the legislative requirements and contribute to statewide tourism efforts.

Overall, the commission emphasized the importance of staying informed and proactive in managing the TPA fees and their impact on local tourism, as well as the need for a consistent approach to reporting and data collection.