Visit Seattle is a private, non-profit destination marketing organization (DMO) serving Seattle and King County. We exist to champion the region as a world-class destination for travel and tourism and promote the economic power of travel. Our culture is guided by core values that elevate our industry and advance our purpose with integrity.
OUR VISION
We are bold, innovative leaders who serve as stewards to broaden perspectives and create ambassadors for our spectacular destination.
OUR MISSION
Responsibly grow the visitor economy for the benefit of our community.
A WIDE WELCOME
Visit Seattle is a place where everyone is welcome and encouraged to be their authentic selves. We aspire to be as diverse as the city we represent and to honor the unique perspectives of the communities we serve, intertwining them in everything we do. Kindness, respect, and accountability serve as guiding principles for our team at every level. Here, your voice will be heard and opinions respected as we move toward a more inclusive world together.
Our culture is guided by core values that elevate our industry and advance our purpose with integrity:
- Inclusion: We value a safe environment where diversity and lived experiences are embraced, authentic vulnerability is encouraged, and active empathy is practiced.
- Impact: We value the idea of building a legacy that starts today, by committing to being mindful, helpful, and dedicated to a positive ripple effect that we create.
- Commitment: We value a community where growing, celebrating and embracing each other for a greater future is encouraged, and an appreciation for sacrifice, grit, integrity, and the passion for conquering the unknown is well recognized.
- Excellence: We value having pride and passion in the work that we do by committing to always giving it our all and celebrating success in both the big and small tasks.
Accreditation with Distinction
Visit Seattle has received accreditation with distinction from Destinations International’s Destination Marketing Accreditation Program (DMAP).
As part of the DMAP accreditation process, destinations must successfully comply with several mandatory and voluntary standards that span a variety of performance areas. The standards cover nearly all aspects related to the management and marketing of destinations including governance, finance, human resources, sales, communications, destination development, and research.
The accreditation with distinction designation is an honor reserved for those organizations that go beyond meeting the required standards to truly showcase the breadth of their operation and their commitment to advancing the destination they serve.
The destination organization is accredited by the Destination Marketing Accreditation Program (DMAP) of Destinations International, 1725 Eye Street NW, Eighth Floor, Washington, D.C., 2006, USA.
Funding
As a private, nonprofit marketing organization, Visit Seattle’s funding is derived from many sources, including hotel occupancy tax revenue from Seattle-King County visitors, Visit Seattle’s robust membership program, its marketing programs, government contracts for service and miscellaneous revenue.
Membership
As a membership-based organization, Visit Seattle connects more than 750 local businesses, their products and services with the lucrative visitor market. The Visit Seattle Membership team also hosts four signature events, as well as orientations and networking opportunities throughout the year.
Visit the Membership area of this website to learn more about becoming a Visit Seattle member.
Strategic Partnerships
We currently engage in strategic partnerships with the following entities:
- 4Culture
- City of Seattle
- Greater Seattle Business Association
- King County
- Port of Seattle
- Seattle Convention Center
- Seattle Office of Arts & Culture
- Seattle Tourism Improvement Area
- Visit Seattle Member Organizations
- Washington Tourism Alliance
Industry Affiliations
- American Society of Association Executives & the Center for Leadership
- Association Forum
- Cultural & Heritage Tourism Alliance
- Cruise Line International Association
- Destination Marketing Association International
- Hospitality Sales and Marketing Association International
- IGLTA (International LGBTQ+ Travel Association)
- International Inbound Travel Association
- Meeting Professionals International
- National Tour Association
- Professional Convention Management Association
- Society of American Travel Writers
- Student & Youth Travel Association
- U.S. Travel Association
- Washington Tourism Alliance
Seattle Tourism Improvement Area
The Seattle Tourism Improvement Area (STIA) is a Business Improvement Area (BIA) formed in 2011, in accordance with Washington state law to establish a new leisure tourism marketing fund for Seattle that enables Seattle hoteliers to compete and grow their market share. The STIA is overseen by a ratepayer advisory board and its day to day activities are managed by Visit Seattle.
Seattle Certified Tourism Ambassador Program
The Seattle Tourism Ambassador certification teaches best practices to front-line employees and volunteers and ensures that they understand their role in increasing tourism. The objective of our Seattle Certified Tourism Ambassador Program is to foster a destination-wide culture of quality service, encouraging repeat business and turning visitors into advocates.
Photo: Ingrid Barrentine / NW Guardian
Seattle is Built on Native Land
We acknowledge that we live and work on the unceded, traditional territories of the Coast Salish peoples, whose ancestors have lived here and cared for these lands and waters since time immemorial. This acknowledgement does not take the place of authentic relationships with Indigenous communities, but serves as a first step in honoring the land we are on. These communities are still here, and many indigenous people are strong and thriving. We honor the people past and present who belong to this place.
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