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Situation, continued <br />The many faces of Ellensburg <br />r Walla Walla has wine, Leavenworth is little Bavaria, Gig Harbor promotes maritime and Mt. Vernon <br />embraces tulips, <br />' ln stakeholder interviews, leaders frequently stated that Ellensburg didn't have just "one thing." <br />Visitor surveys also showed Ellensburg was viewed differently by different groups. ls it a "Rodeo <br />Town," a "Festival Town," or a "University Town?" <br />r The truth of what visitors experience-Ellensburg's brand-is likely somewhere in between. Right <br />now, this experience is varied and relatively undefined, which can make marketing more difficult. <br />Challenges today and on the horizon <br />r Ellensburg is often seen as a stop on the way to another destination. Many travelers don't get <br />beyond the gas stations and fast food near l-90, <br />' CWU students from Western Washington often go home on the weekends rather than have friends <br />and family come to visit them in Ellensburg, <br />r Traffic in the Puget Sound region is bad and, as the population grows, traffic congestion has <br />extended over Snoqualmie Pass, potentially affecting visitor experiences. Currently travelers still <br />flock over the pass (notably to Leavenworth and Chelan), but traffic may be an issue in the future. <br />r Car ownership rates in Seattle are trending down (currently about 17 percent), especially for those <br />under 35. Because Ellensburg is a road trip destination with no rail or commercial air, the bus or car <br />rental is the only alternative for those without a car. <br />City oi Ellensburg <br />Five-Year Tourism Strategic Plan <br />I <br />- <br />2019 t7