Gregoire Launches ‘Get Out West’ Push

On the same day that Washington eliminated its tourism promotion funding and shut down its state tourism office, Washington Gov. Chris Gregoire (flanked in photo by Utah Gov. Gary Herbert, left, and Idaho Gov. Butch Otter), in her new role as chair of the Western Governors Association, has announced that her initiative for the year will be a “Get Out West” campaign, promoting outdoor recreation, conservation, tourism and volunteerism across the 19 western states. “The state can no longer afford to do some things it has done historically,” Gregoire said. “So we’re turning to the private sector to see if we can’t fund a coalition. … This is about partnering with private-sector organizations that have already come forward to me and said how enthused they are. REI has already stepped up and said, ‘Let us know what you want us to do’”/ Betsy Russell , Eye On Boise. More here.

Question: How important is tourism promotion for Northwest states?