Dear GGHI Members,
I hope this letter finds you well and gearing up for the summer ahead. As we enter the season that traditionally brings a flurry of activity to our region, I want to share some important updates and developments that will shape our efforts in the coming months.
Summer is just around the corner, bringing with it the promise of warmer days and the potential for increased economic activity, particularly in our third largest economic sector—tourism. Over the past few year, we’ve observed a dramatic increase in tourism, a silver lining during the challenging times brought on by COVID. This surge has spotlighted the incredible diversity, and appeal of Grays Harbor, from our beaches and vast ocean to our serene lakes and lush timberlands, not to mention our thriving farms.
However, recent data indicates a leveling off and a slight dip in tourism numbers. This shift reminds us that tourists have a myriad of choices at their disposal, and it underscores the need for us to continually innovate and enhance the appeal of Grays Harbor as a premier destination.
In light of these developments, I’m excited to announce that Greater Grays Harbor, Inc. has received a grant to analyze tourism data more closely that will assist it targeting tourism needs. This analysis will provide us with invaluable insights into the trends, preferences, and behaviors of our visitors, enabling us to market our offerings more effectively.
We are collaborating with Grays Harbor College to establish a Hospitality/Restaurant program aimed at enhancing workforce development in the region. We are applying for assistance from Washington Tourism to create a group to work on a vision of tourism for Grays Harbor. We aim to initiate a comprehensive discussion on the commonalities shared by our tourism organizations and how we can leverage these to our advantage.
Your experiences, insights, and voices are crucial to this dialogue. Together, we can identify our shared strengths, address our challenges, and carve out a strategic path forward that elevates Grays Harbor as a destination and as a community with a shared vision for growth and prosperity in the tourism sector.
As we look to the future, I am optimistic. With your support and active participation, we have a unique opportunity to adapt to the changing landscape of tourism and thrive within it. Together, we can ensure that Grays Harbor remains a destination for all who visit today and in the years to come.
Happy Summer,
Jon Martin
Interim CEO
Greater Grays Harbor, Inc.