The Squaxin Island Tribe Tourism Department today announced its pleasure in the appointment of Ms. Leslie Johnson (Puyallup), Squaxin Island Tribe Tourism Director, to the Washington Tourism Alliance (WTA).
“Ms. Johnson has a tremendous amount of experience in the tourism industry. She has clearly established herself nationally, regionally and within our state,” said Charlene Kris, Squaxin Island Tribal Council Member. “The WTA’s Board will benefit greatly from her knowledge and we know our Tribal interests will be represented.”
Ms. Johnson brings over seven years of tourism experience, including her current position as director of the Squaxin Island Tribe Tourism Department. She has served Tribes both nationally and internationally to promote tourism and increase visitor awareness on the diversity of Washington State’s 29 Native communities. Additionally, Ms. Johnson has created and sustained valuable partnerships within tourism and hospitality sectors to encourage cooperative alliances. She has served as a member of the Olympia-Lacey-Tumwater Visitor & Convention Bureau; a Northwest representative of the American Indian Alaska Native Tourism Association (AIANTA). Ms. Johnson is currently co-chair of Northwest Tribal Tourism (NWTT), a consortium of 10-tribes and she also sits on the National Scenic Byway Foundation board.
Ms. Johnson joins the WTA board which is comprised of industry stakeholders and professionals who share the concern for sustaining tourism marketing.
“I’m delighted with the opportunity to serve the Squaxin Island Tribe and the other 28 Tribes and to support the growth of Washington state tourism. It is an exciting challenge to be able to contribute to the strategic decisions of the WTA,” said Ms. Johnson. “I especially look forward to working with industry leaders to ensure the continued sustainability and success of tourism.”
The appointment of a tribal representative to the WTA board is an important milestone as it acknowledges the contribution that the Tribal Nations within WA State make to state and local economies.
“Whether it is through direct impact venues like our hotels, casinos, restaurants, cultural centers & museums, or infrastructure like roads, bridges, and utilities, the revenues generated by Tribal Nations strengthen sovereignty and treaty rights in a way that supports all of Washington,” said Sam Askew, NWTT co-chairmen.
The WTA was formed in March 2011 in anticipation of the June 30 closure of the Washington State Tourism office. On July 1, the WTA became Washington State’s official tourism marketing organization and assumed ownership and operation of tourism office assets in order to preserve Washington’s tourism market share.
About the Washington Tourism Alliance
The WTA is a 501[c]6 organization with a mission to advocate, promote, develop and sustain the economic well being of the Washington tourism industry. The WTA procures and administers funds for state destination tourism marketing activities and creates and implements a strategic statewide destination marketing plan. The industry website www.watourismalliance.com; the destination marketing website www.experiencewa.com.
About the Squaxin Island Tribe Tourism Department
The Squaxin Island Tribe Tourism Department is a cultural tourism program. This department develops partnerships with local and regional jurisdictions in order to market Tribal tourism. The Squaxin Island Tribe Tourism Department develops culturally sensitive tourism venues. Currently the department is working on a traditional foods program which will include storytelling, ceremonies, traditional gardens and gathering. http://squaxinislandtourism.org/
About Northwest Tribal Tourism
NWTT is a non-profit consortium of Pacific Northwest Tribes with a mission to promote and facilitate effective cooperation on Tourism among represented Tribes and the travel industry to preserve, enhance and protect Tribal lands, culture, and natural resources NWTT is also the designated manager of the Washington Pacific Coast Scenic Byway, a 365-mile highway in Northwestern Washington along SR 101 and the Pacific Ocean.www.explorepacificnwtribes.com
