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Visit Tri Cities presents economic report to West Richland council, highlights Ironman and event-driven growth
Summary
Visit Tri Cities reported roughly $643 million in annual visitor spending supporting about 5,900 jobs; the board highlighted Ironman and other signature events and described revenue sources and a scholarship program for residents to participate in events.
Kevin Lewis, representing Visit Tri Cities, presented the organization's annual report to the West Richland City Council Sept. 7, outlining the visitor-economy metrics and recent program highlights.
Lewis said the region benefits from about $643 million in annual visitor spending that supports approximately 5,900 jobs and about $1.1 billion in business sales across the Tri Cities area. He told the council Visit Tri Cities's office received roughly $3.6 million in total revenue this year, financed through lodging-tax receipts, assessments from tourism promotion areas (which Lewis described as a $3-per-room-per-night assessment in participating hotels), and sponsorships and partnerships.
Lewis highlighted signature events that drive visitation and media exposure: Ironman (which he said produces a $6 million to $7 million local economic impact, attracts about 7,500 visitors from 45 states and 20 countries and earned very high athlete satisfaction), USA BMX national events, and series at Tri City Raceway. He also noted a new agreement with the American Cornhole League to host a tournament that will be broadcast on ESPN Plus.
Lewis described Visit Tri Cities's five strategic pillars (strategic sales, effective marketing, proactive community engagement, collaborative destination development, and innovative operations), and a community program that provides race-entry and coaching support to residents facing barriers to participation. He said the organization selected two scholarship recipients who received roughly $10,000 each in training and gear support.
Council members thanked Lewis and noted West Richland hosts portions of some events (Tri City Raceway) while larger signature events traverse multiple jurisdictions. "If you build a place that people want to visit, you build a place where people want to live," Lewis told the council.
Lewis closed by inviting further questions and thanking the council for its support.
