August 13, 2007 

OLYMPIA – Economic prosperity has long been one of Rep. Pat Lantz’s (D- Raft Island) legislative priorities.  Her recent appointment to the Washington Tourism Commission gives her the opportunity to help develop a plan to boost one of the state’s most important industries. 

“Our state has a great deal to offer tourists – from mountains to coastline to cultural attractions – and thousands of them visit us each year,” Lantz said.  “Yet, of the 13 western states, Washington ranks last in tourism promotion spending.  Clearly, the tourism industry is an untapped resource that we need to develop.” 

Lantz was recommended to the Commission by House Speaker Frank Chopp (D – Seattle).  A total of four legislators are on the 19-member Commission, two each from the House and Senate.  Other members include the Director of the Department of Community, Trade and Economic Development, and representatives from various sectors of the tourism industry.  

The Commission is a public/private partnership created by the passage of House Bill 1276 in the 2007 legislative session.  It replaces the Tourism Advisory Committee, which unlike the new Commission was not a Governor-appointed entity.  The higher profile of the Commission, coupled with increased participation by those directly involved in the tourism industry, will enable Commission members to develop a successful marketing plan for Washington. 

Promoting cultural tourism and representing small communities are two areas into which Lantz is eager to delve.  The two are linked because evidence indicates cultural events, such as art fairs and music festivals, have a positive economic impact on small communities.  The key is to draw tourists who are already visiting the state’s more well-known attractions to these local cultural events.  

“Thousands of visitors bring in millions of dollars,” Lantz said.  “Our tourist attractions and events are distributed throughout both urban and rural areas, so the state as a whole benefits from a robust tourist industry.  I look forward to working with other Commission members on a successful plan for promoting Washington.”

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For more information:
Rep. Pat Lantz  360-786-7964 

Media Staff Contact:
Jennifer Zahn Spieler, 360-786-7201 

Radio and TV News Directors:  To obtain broadcast-quality audio on these issues, or to arrange for TV or radio interviews, please contact House Democratic Caucus Broadcast Coordinator Dan Frizzell at frizzell.dan@leg.wa.gov  or (360) 786-7208.