The purpose of the Tourism Promotion Fund is to promote eligible tourism and cultural activities within the City of Bellingham. Eligibility is broadly defined to encourage wide participation and innovative proposals.
Activities funded through the Tourism Promotion Fund increase economic activity by bringing tourists to Bellingham. A “tourist” is defined as a person who travels from a place of residence to a different town, city, county, state, or country, for purposes of business, pleasure, recreation, education, arts, heritage, or culture.
The Tourism Promotion Fund is supported by the City's share of sales taxes collected on overnight stays within the city limits (lodging tax). Recommendations on use of the funds are developed by the Lodging Tax Advisory Committee, a sub-committee of the Tourism Commission. Staff support for the Tourism Commission and the Tourism Promotion Fund allocation process is provided by Community Development Division staff.
For more information contact the Communications Coordinator in the Planning and Community Development main office.
