Tourism Commission

Tourism Commission Minutes City of Bellingham, Washington Tuesday 3:30 PM Mayor’s Boardroom, City Hall 210 Lottie St Bellingham, February 25, 2025 WA 98225 Audio Recorded https://meetings.cob.org Call to Order The Tourism Commission meeting (video) was called to order by the Chair, Peter Fraizer, at 3:33 PM. Members: Council Representative: ☒ Peter Frazier (Tourism Commission Chair) ☐ Hollie Huthman, LTAC Chair ☒ Christine Jenkins, LTAC ☒ Craig Jewell Ex-Officio: ☐ Kevin Coleman ☒ Dylan Deane-Boyle, BWCT ☒ Marc Blake, LTAC ☐ Patricia Leach, Whatcom Museum ☒ Matt Lesinski, LTAC ☒ John Purdie, Mt Baker Theater ☒ Nick Kelly, LTAC ☒ Sara Holliday, LTAC Staff/ Other Panelists: ☒ Stephanie Morrell, LTAC ☒ Tara Sundin, PCDD ☒ Todd Elsworth ☒ Taylor Webb, PCDD ☒ Lindsey Gerhard, BWCT Approve Meeting Minutes Motion to approve the meeting minutes from the January meeting by Todd Elsworth, seconded by Matt Lesinski. All in favor, motion passes. Minutes approved. Agenda Items 1. World Cup Update Staff gave a brief update about the 2026 World Cup in which Bellingham was selected as a FIFA Fan City. The City of Bellingham will be partnering with Bellingham Whatcom County Tourism and the Port of Bellingham to host six watch parties in June and July 2026 at the Waterfront. They plan to hire an event coordinator or team to plan and run the watch parties. Staff reminded the commission that $50,000 was set aside in the 2025 LTAc budget to assist with the planning of the watch parties. Staff from all three agencies and other community partners will form subcommittees to discuss other aspects of the watch party planning efforts. Commissioners requested that a World Cup brainstorm be added to a future Tourism Commission meeting, so commissioners can discuss tourism-related aspects of the events. 2. BWCT Update on Marketing Meetings Lindsey Gerhard from Bellingham Whatcom County Tourism shared an update about the 2025 Tourism Standard Grantees. It is a requirement that all grantees awarded the Standard Tourism Promotion Grant meet with BWCT to discuss their marketing plan and finalize their hotel collaborations. Lindsey reported that all grantees had either already had their meeting with BWCT or it was scheduled to occur soon. Overall, she was impressed with the marketing plans of the grantees, especially for grant recipients who are new to the grant program. Commissioners expressed gratitude for Lindsey and BWCT for the presentation and for all the work with the grantees which has proven to be successful. They also mentioned that they would appreciate the opportunity to hear from Lindsey again before the 2026 Grant selections are made. Other Business Public Comment A member of the public attended the meeting in-person. They expressed their desire to see more focus on environmental conversation, particularly of the waterfront. They mentioned that Bellingham Bay is draw for tourists to our area, and it should be highlighted with additional recreational opportunities. They also noted a few other events and places in our community that could be a tourist draw if it was marketed more. For the Good of the Order, Legislative Issues, and Announcements • Staff asked commissioners about possible impacts to Canadian Travelers. Some commissioners who are hoteliers expressed that they have already had several reservations canceled by Canadian tourists. Others have heard concern and hesitancy from Canadian colleagues about travel into the US. BWCT stated that although they have not seen any quantifiable data to show a decline in Canadian tourists and economic revenue, they are keeping track of the exchange rate and continue to push messaging that Whatcom County is welcoming to our Canadian neighbors. • Legislation o HB 1882 (dead): increase sales tax by 2% during the World Cup to be distributed to the cities (25%), human trafficking efforts (25%), and tourism (50%) o Statewide Tourism Funding (active): legislation to create a working group that would enable a self-assessment model, currently in the second hearing o HB 1515 (active): eases restrictions on alcohol/ drinking areas at events and festivals statewide, has local support but people are doubtful it will pass the Senate • Commissioners asked about the status of the potential Pickleball facility by the Port of which they wrote a letter of support for. Staff believe this is no longer moving forward. • Commissioners asked about location scouting for film and TV. BWCT shared that they have recently seen an increase in inquiries from production studios to film in Whatcom County. They are currently working on gathering information about proper permitting and other necessary requirements. They also mentioned that WA Filmworks has an existing database of film locations and that there are other companies that can be hired as consultants to create more extensive databases of film locations for our area. Upcoming Meetings • March meeting 3/25 Meeting adjourned at 4:52pm. Minutes prepared by: Taylor Webb, Development Specialist II Minutes edited by both staff and Tourism Commission members.