About the WTMA

The Washington Tourism Marketing Authority was created by the state legislature in 2018 to oversee state funds used for statewide tourism marketing services that promote tourism on behalf of the citizens of the state.

The WTMA contracts with a private entity to perform state tourism marketing activities and the authority is charged with overseeing the use of these funds and working with the contractor to maximize the available dollars to attract visitors to Washington.

The WTMA board is composed of industry representatives appointed by the Governor and members of the state legislature. The board is supported by representatives from the Department of Commerce, Department of Transportation and Department of Parks & Recreation as well as a representative from a federally recognized tribe. These individuals are non-voting members of the WTMA and provide additional counsel and expertise to the authority.

The state tourism marketing account was created in the state treasury and all receipts from tax revenues under RCW 82.08.225. Moneys in the account may be spent only after appropriation and expenditures may be used only for expenditures that are related to implementation of a statewide tourism marketing program and operation of the authority. Additional matching funds consisting of nonstate and state funds or other general funds, contributions in the form of cash and in-kind contributions can supplement the revenue apprpriated by RCW 82.08.225.

The WTMA is guided by a set of bylaws approved by the board. You can download a copy below.

Washington Tourism Marketing Authority BylawsÂ