Chelan County will conduct an in-depth study to better understand the impacts of tourism on our community.
The Chelan Valley concluded its two-weekend annual Winterfest celebration on Sunday.
"Just this last weekend, there was a thousand people in our downtown area," said Timi Starkweather, Executive Director of the Manson Chamber of Commerce. "When we create a really viable event, tourists come, and tourists come whether there's an event or not out here, they're loving coming to this beautiful area that we live in."
The county has hired a consultant to determine tourism’s positive contributions while addressing future challenges. Citizens will soon be given an opportunity to offer their opinion.
"I'm greatly encouraged," Starkweather added. "The county is looking at ways to alleviate some of the traffic on highway 150. They're working cooperatively with us, they're doing studies with us, and that's really encouraging."
""I think working collaboratively with the Lake Chelan Chamber, for us in this part of the county and the other stakeholders; Cashmere, Entiat and Pateros, they still draw people, and they come here and they want things to do," Starkweather believes, in support of all organizations and businesses working together. "Manson is going to become the 'recreate-area' I think in our valley."
Starkweather says the Manson chamber has eight events a year to draw more visitors.
The county reports that their data-driven analysis will look at economic, financial, sociocultural and environmental impacts of tourism on residents and businesses throughout the county.
The study’s results are expected to be released later this year.
Learn more about local events through the Manson Chamber of Commerce and Lake Chelan Chamber of Commerce websites.
Comments