Chamber reports lower visitor-center traffic in third quarter; Bluegrass festival drew about 1,800

Representatives from the Shelton-Mason County Chamber presented third-quarter visitor-services data and a separate report on the Bluegrass festival during the Oct. 21 council meeting.

The Chamber’s visitor services report showed roughly a 45 percent year-over-year drop in in-person visitor-center contacts at one site, a decline staff attributed in part to changes in regional travel patterns. The Chamber said it maintained open hours during events, coordinated with federal and state park partners to redirect visitors when sites such as Bear Gulch road closures occurred, and worked to keep Google and social pages updated so visitors had current closure information.

Chamber data showed notable visitor origins during the third quarter including Seattle-area travelers in-state and out-of-state visitors from Texas, Illinois, New York and Florida, plus some international visitors. Staff emphasized high satisfaction ratings among those who did visit.

Duane Wilson and members of the Kiwanis reported on the annual Bluegrass festival, which organizers said drew approximately 1,800 attendees. Organizers reported about 278 attendees stayed at local motels, roughly 265 campers used on-site camping, 440 traveled 50 miles or more to attend and about 90 attendees came from out of state. The festival organizers thanked the city for ongoing support and said event spending benefited local restaurants, retailers and lodging.

Ending

Council members thanked the Chamber and event organizers for their work promoting downtown events and supporting local businesses. The Chamber said it will continue visitor outreach and partner coordination to manage closures and inform tourists.