Museum and chamber report slight declines from 2023 but strong recovery from pre-pandemic levels, Lodging Tax totals updated

Representatives from the local museum and the Shelton Mason County Chamber of Commerce presented fourth-quarter 2024 lodging-tax-related reports to the council, describing visitor counts, online engagement and fundraising totals.

Liz Arbault presented the museum's fourth-quarter report. She said total visitation for the quarter was 460, a figure she described as "a little bit on the lower side" and attributed to poor weather during a typically busy Halloween event. Arbault said the museum had visitors from 10 states and several countries including Switzerland, Great Britain and Canada. She said Facebook reach increased about 15% to roughly 3,500 people and that the museum's annual fund drive exceeded its $15,000 goal, bringing in "a little over $29,000," funded entirely by individual donors.

Diedre Peterson, speaking for the Shelton Mason County Chamber of Commerce, gave a fourth-quarter report for visitor services that covered the chamber office and the Hoodsport Visitor Center. Peterson said the chamber recorded just over 1,100 visitors in the fourth quarter, slightly down from 2023 but about 30% higher than 2019 pre-pandemic levels. She described strong social-media engagement around holiday events and said Hoodsport had nearly 1,800 page views during the quarter. Peterson credited downtown merchant groups and volunteer efforts for seasonal decorations and promotional activity.

Both presenters linked visitor counts and events such as Oysterfest and the holiday Tree Maze to economic impact for local restaurants and lodging. No council action or funding changes were recorded during these presentations; the reports were informational updates.