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3| Impact
<br />Response 2.1: Why would tourists travel to Kittitas County to attend your event/activity/facility?*
<br />Our strategic messaging is guided by insights from the Arnett Muldrow market analysis, UW Storefront Studio, Downtown
<br />Businesses and non-profits, Kittitas County Chambers, Kittitas County Economic Development planning, as well as the City of
<br />Roslyn's planned improvements for the downtown area and the overall Roslyn community. This enables us to target travelers
<br />and visitors to Roslyn effectively. Roslyn is a vibrant destination that draws thousands of visitors each year, offering historic
<br />buildings, eclectic dining, unique shopping experiences, and outdoor adventures such as biking and hiking. Since 2005, the RDA
<br />has played a pivotal role in revitalizing the area, actively expanding outreach and positioning downtown as a must-visit hub for
<br />visitors, travelers, and locals alike.
<br />According to the latest 2024 KC Chamber’s Tourism Office, used by the RDA, a conservative estimate of an average of 225
<br />visitors per week, with higher numbers during peak season and lower numbers during the off-season, is used to determine an
<br />overall annual average. Of these visitors, approximately 25% are expected to stay overnight, with 30% of travelers identified as
<br />leisure travelers. Using this data, the Chambers estimate:
<br />275 travelers per week × 52 weeks = 14,352 annual visitors
<br />25% of these visitors stay overnight, resulting in about 3,588 overnight stays annually
<br />Of those staying overnight, 30% are leisure travelers, equating to roughly 1,076 leisure overnight stays
<br />Based on the average daily rate of $127.89 (according to the STAR Report for county accommodations), the estimated annual
<br />total hotel spending is approximately $84,663.
<br />Looking ahead, our subsequent comprehensive market analysis, previously planned for 2025 but rescheduled for 2026, will be
<br />conducted through a study by the Kittitas County Chamber. This analysis will provide further insights and help refine our
<br />promotional strategies to ensure Roslyn remains a vibrant and attractive destination year-round.
<br />2500 character limit
<br />Response 2.2: Describe the prior success of your event/activity/facility to attract tourists.*
<br />Estimates from the KC Chamber of Tourism Office and the RDA's informal surveys indicate that over half of our event attendees
<br />to date have traveled from 50 miles or more away—a trend expected to continue growing in 2026 and beyond. This year, we
<br />hosted lively educational events, shows, cooking classes, and guided tours of Roslyn, attracting approximately 1,500 additional
<br />guests and energizing our community. These offerings showcase Roslyn’s vibrant spirit and unique charm, drawing an
<br />increasing number of visitors each year.
<br />The Creator’s Law sculpture in Roslyn Pioneer Park has become a major attraction, drawing tourism and enriching the park’s
<br />beauty with its cultural significance. It symbolizes Roslyn’s heritage, inspiring visitors and connecting them to our community’s
<br />deep-rooted history. Alongside it, the Yakama Nation’s annual event continues to be a highlight, offering visitors meaningful
<br />engagement with Yakama traditions, storytelling, and performances by drummers and dancers, fostering greater appreciation for
<br />Native culture.
<br />Our annual Old Town Christmas celebration has grown tremendously, drawing thousands of visitors each year. We work
<br />collaboratively to ensure safety and deliver a joyful, memorable experience. This festive event exemplifies our commitment to
<br />vibrant community celebrations that bring people together and strengthen our town’s joyous spirit.
<br />The Roslyn Farmers Market remains a popular summer attraction, with an average of over 3,000 visitors converging on Roslyn
<br />each weekend. Combined with live entertainment, it creates a lively, welcoming atmosphere that encourages repeat visits and
<br />keeps our town vibrant and bustling.
<br />We regularly showcase current events, festivals, and seasonal happenings, offering fresh and unique experiences for visitors
<br />and travelers. Whether interested in outdoor adventures, cultural celebrations, or relaxing retreats, Kittitas County provides
<br />endless opportunities to explore and enjoy.
<br />The RDA is an all-volunteer, non-profit organization with a working board that does not have a paid executive director or staff.
<br />We are designated as a Washington State Main Street organization, focusing on Promotion, Organization, Design, and
<br />Development. Our board and team of outstanding volunteers are committed to realizing Roslyn’s full potential through strategic
<br />promotion and destination marketing. With a bright future ahead, Roslyn will continue to thrive as a must-visit destination.
<br />2500 character limit
<br />Application Questions: Part 2
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