It’s always a pleasure to get out and see what we have, and whenever I do I realize there is more than a lifetime of exploring to do right in our backyard. Recently I was treated to a visit of the Ridgefield Wildlife Refuge in Clark County and marveled at the wildlife before us there. We indeed have some incredibly valuable opportunities that these resources can provide to people around the world – and spend their money here at the same time.

Tourism is an extremely important and valuable component of Washington State’s economy. The state’s travel industry ranks among the leading generating industries in the state. For 2004, the industry contributed $11.6 billion to the state economy, while directly supporting more than 140,000 jobs with earnings of $3.7 billion. Last year, spending by travelers to our state generated over $3.7 billion in local and state tax revenues.

Even with all of this revenue from tourism, I think there is even more prospect through “ecotourism,” which is focused specifically on promoting the exploration of wild and natural areas while at the same time protecting the environment.
I first became interested in ecotourism while during a cruise Linda and I took to Mexico last year. People we met came back each day from excursions billed as ecotourism where they went hiking and explored the natural beauty along the way. These tours were booked solid, which caused me to think about all of the amazing opportunities we have for tourists to get out and enjoy the strong natural and cultural attractions we have here.

Our state’s Department of Community, Trade and Economic Development is continually looking for new ways to promote the state, and with all that we have here ecotourism is a natural. A panel of legislators and I recently toured parts of Southwest Washington, meeting with Vancouver Mayor Royce Pollard and several others to promote the concept of ecotourism in that region. Photos from that tour can be found on my Web site.

With our bountiful foundation of natural beauty, the potential benefit to our economy is practically boundless. Let’s work together to do more to make Washington State a leading destination for ecotourism.


Sincerely,

Brad Owen
Lt. Governor