A delegation from the State of Washington, USA, will be coming to the UK, March 28 – April 1, to promote travel to this region, rich in natural and cultural diversity.

Members of the group include David Blandford, Executive Director, and Mike Moe, Director of Strategic Partnerships and Tourism Development, from the State of Washington Tourism, an organization with the mission of developing and sustaining the state's destination tourism marketing.

Also in attendance, Port of Seattle Commissioner Fred Felleman will be joined by port staff, including Dave McFadden, Managing Director, Economic Development Division, and Patti Denny, Interim Director, Tourism Development Department. The Port of Seattle's mission is to promote economic opportunities and quality of life in the region by advancing trade, travel, commerce, and job creation in a sustainable manner.

The delegation will also include Liz Johnson, Director, International Tourism, Visit Seattle, a destination marketing organisation serving Seattle and its surrounding area. Visit Seattle's mission is to champion the region as a world-class destination for travel and tourism while promoting the economic power of travel for residents in the region.

In early January 2022, the State of Washington Tourism (SWT) launched a refreshed brand and tourism marketing programme. 'The State of Washington' replaces 'Experience WA' as the consumer-facing brand, including a modernised inspirational travel website. Reflecting the growing importance of the region's natural beauty to international travellers, a new consumer campaign, '#TrueToNature,' is now running in select markets across the western USA.

“The new brand and campaign were co-created and shaped by stakeholders from across Washington,” said David Blandford, executive director for SWT. “It was a thoughtful process that allowed us to uncover a brand that is an authentic reflection of our destination.” 

Also new this year, the Port of Seattle's International Arrivals Facility (IAF) at Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA) will grow the airport's capacity for international travel.  Highlights of the facility include a new iconic passenger walkway and a 450,000-square-foot Grand Hall, which is more than four times the size of the previous IAF. Together these contemporary amenities will enhance travellers' experience and welcome international travellers, reflecting the scenic Pacific Northwest.

The Port of Seattle also announces the return of safe and healthy cruising with an increase in the number of 7-day roundtrip cruises to Alaska, growing from 200 a year in 2019 to 296 sailings for 2022.

Visitors will no doubt enjoy visiting the Space Needle as it turns 60 in 2022.  Following the removal of an ariel motorway, the transformation of the downtown waterfront will bring a whole new experience of the city to travellers, with elegant, landscaped walkways, cycling paths, and a range of new ways to enjoy the city where it meets the beautiful waters of the Puget Sound.

“Washington state is where big city meets big nature. It's a place for all tastes, where you can hike, ski, or sail in the day and see a show and wine and dine that night,” said Port of Seattle Commissioner Fred Felleman. “Mountains and water encircling Seattle's creative arts and culture creates a spectacular theater in the round. Maintaining a healthy environmental balance is our natural state. There's plenty to do every season and the path less travelled is the path to take. We look forward to welcoming you soon. 

For information on Washington State visit https://www.stateofwatourism.com  and for the Port of Seattle in the UK visit www.SeattleCruiseAlaska.co.uk

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For further information, videos and images, contact:

Caroline Corfield-Rose or Lindsay Champion at Core Communications Ltd Tel: 07979 706 553 / + 44 1494 762328 Email: Seattle@corecommunications.co.uk or Caroline@corecommunications.co.uk