LT2026-011 GALLERY ONE FINAL - Laserfiche WebLink

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Response 6.1: Provide any additional information which will assist the Lodging Tax Advisory Committee in evaluating your project and its benefit to tourism. From the Chamber of Commerce (2019) - Nearly 37% visited [Kittitas County] for an event with an additional 5% visiting for art and history specifically, and in ranking the vacation-worthy features of Ellensburg, respondents ranked visiting shops, museums and galleries in historic downtown were at the top of their list. In 2021, 23,513 visitors clicked museums and galleries on the Chamber Tourism page. On MyEllensburg.com, they had a 39.96% increase in users on our Museums and Galleries page in 2020, showing traveler interest in this sector now more than ever. Over the years we have learned about the impact of the cultural tourist (as per the Dean Runyan report's average of $200/ day in spending) and we seek to be a draw to that market segment. The cultural tourist typically spends more and stays longer than other types of U.S. traveler. The U.S. cultural traveler spends 60% more, approximately $1,319 per trip compared with $820 for domestic leisure travelers. The cultural traveler also takes more trips than general U.S. travelers: 3.6 vs. 3.4 trips annually - Americans for the Arts reports that 73% of Millennials “want to engage a destination’s arts and cultural assets”— the highest rated activity of importance. Racially diverse and technologically savvy, more than two thirds of all Millennials (the generation born 1977–1994) also rate “authenticity” in experiences as extremely important. Cultural interests also rate high in importance for Baby Boomers (64.8%) and Gen-X (67.8%). According to the U.S. Travel Association, roughly 80% of the 150 million adults who travel more than 50 miles from home can be considered "cultural tourists." This means that on a trip, they participated in at least one arts, humanities, historic, or heritage activity or event. Thirty percent of adults surveyed stated that a specific arts, cultural, or heritage event influenced their choice of a destination for a trip. The most recent US travel trends bode well for small communities like Ellensburg and cultural attractions like Gallery One. In 2025, cultural travel in the USA centered on slow, intentional travel, with a growing emphasis on shared experiences, such as multi-generational trips, and a shift to hyperlocal travel to small towns, lakesides, and mountains, often driven by budget- consciousness and the appeal of local culture over major cities. Travelers are also focusing on unique, immersive experiences tied to specific events, seeking wellness and sustainable travel. 2500 character limit Response 6.2: You may upload any supporting documents such as graphs, images, diagrams, marketing materials, etc. You are allowed to submit up to 3 single page (US Letter) documents in JPG, PDF or TIFF format 2025GalleryOne Supplemental Materials.docx.pdf 3.45MB 7| Previous Lodging Tax Grant Information Response 7.1: Has your event received Lodging Tax funds in previous years?* No, this event/project has not previously received Lodging Tax Funding Yes, 1 year previous Yes, 2 years previous Yes, 3 years previous Yes, 4 or more years previous Response 7.2: Overall Attendance * Past Actual *Projected * 25,824 29,773 Response 7.3: Number of people travelling more than 50 miles for your event?* Past Actual *Projected * 6,456 7,443 Response 7.4: Number of people traveling from outside WA State for your event?* Past Actual *Projected * 1,291 1,489 Response 7.5: The number of overnight guests who stay in paid accommodations in Kittitas County for your event?* Past Actual *Projected * 258 298