The International Council of Tourism Partners (ICTP) announced its first destination member from the US state of Washington – the Seattle Convention&Visitors Bureau (SCVB). Seattle’s Convention and Visitors Bureau, a private, nonprofit marketing organization, has served as Seattle/King County’s official destination marketing organization (DMO) for more than 50 years. The goal of its marketing efforts is to enhance the employment opportunities and economic prosperity of the region.

Some 9.9 million visitors spend US$5.9 billion in Seattle and King County annually, contributing US$463 million in state and local tax revenues. Direct visitor spending benefits hotels, retailers, restaurants, attractions, transportation services, and other businesses, and supports jobs for more than 51,000 people in the Seattle region.

The SCVB’s Tourism Development division oversees a broad range of programs for leisure travel to Seattle, Washington State, and the Pacific Northwest from both domestic and international origins. It will help travel trade professionals develop itineraries, arrange lodging, and organize tours for groups, FITs, and travelers of all kinds.

The Washington State Convention Center exceeds expectations for events of any size with more than 414,000-plus square feet of function space — including the new Conference Center’s 71,000 square feet. Two flexible facilities accommodate banquets for thousands or intimate breakouts for 10.

Juergen T. Steinmetz, ICTP Chairman, said: “With superb hotel spaces and other uniquely Seattle venues nearby, including cultural attractions, museums, outdoor recreation, and fine dining, Seattle has unique options to attract attendees and entertain them before, during, and after an event. We are confident SCVB’s membership will prove fruitful for the Seattle Convention&Visitors Bureau, as well as for ICTP members.”