Rural Tourism Support

Building a Roadmap for Tourism in Skagit Valley

Skagit County’s participation in the Washington Tourism Workspace: A Rural Tourism Support Program was supported through grant funding to help communities plan for tourism in a way that strengthens the local economy while protecting community character, natural resources, and quality of life for residents.

This collaborative effort resulted in the Skagit Tourism Bureau Summary Report, a long-term, community-informed roadmap that will guide tourism development, investment, and destination management across Skagit County for the next 15 years.

A Collaborative, Community-Driven Process

Led by State of Washington Tourism in partnership with Crosscurrent Collective, the Workspace program followed a structured, multi-phase approach to destination planning. Over the course of the project, more than 80 community and business leaders from across Skagit County participated in research, workshops, and collaborative planning sessions.

Participants represented state and local government, nonprofit organizations, land managers, and private-sector businesses. Together, they aligned around a shared vision for tourism that supports economic vitality while prioritizing stewardship, inclusivity, and community well-being.

Focus Areas for Responsible Growth

Through the Workspace process, stakeholders identified several high-priority focus areas aligned with both local strengths and Washington State’s broader tourism strategy.

• Sports Tourism
• Outdoor Recreation
• Arts and Culture
• Local Food and Farms

In particular, sports tourism emerged as a key year-round opportunity to drive overnight stays during midweek and shoulder seasons, complementing existing leisure travel patterns and supporting lodging, dining, and retail businesses throughout the county.

Looking Ahead

The Skagit Tourism Bureau Summary Report now serves as a guiding framework for future tourism investment, marketing, and destination development decisions. Grounded in community input, research, and long-term planning, this work positions Skagit County to grow tourism in a way that is responsible, inclusive, and economically impactful.

By advancing responsible destination management and strengthening rural resilience, this grant-supported project plays an important role in Washington State’s commitment to tourism that benefits both visitors and the communities they visit.