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Panel considers statewide tourism assessment to create industry‑funded marketing account
Summary
Substitute HB 23‑25 would authorize a tourism self‑supported assessment (TAP) administered by the Washington Tourism Marketing Authority, create a ratepayer oversight board and require a weighted industry referendum before collections; sponsors and industry groups described potential for a $25 million annual program and large returns, while members raised equity and governance questions.
Committee staff outlined substitute HB 23‑25, which would direct the Washington Tourism Marketing Authority to develop and administer a tourism assessment program (TAP) governed by a ratepayer oversight board (ROB). Under the bill’s framework, the authority would annually levy and collect a percentage assessment on participating businesses’ gross revenue in defined tourism sectors; affected businesses would vote in a weighted referendum before any collections begin.
Martha Whaling (staff) said the program would apply to seven categories of tourism businesses and that the ROB must conduct…
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