Enumclaw Chamber Hopeful New Chinook Scenic Byway Inclusion Will Boost Tourism Dollars

Following last week's announcement that the Washington State Legislature has approved extending the western terminus of the Chinook Scenic Byway to Farman Road in the city of Enumclaw, the Enumclaw Chamber of Commerce issued the following release Wednesday:

ENUMCLAW, WA-Thanks to the hard work of local businesses, residents, and government officials, both the State Senate and House of Representatives have passed bills to make the eastern city limits of Enumclaw the official Western starting point of the Chinook Pass Scenic Byway.  The new designation would mean the byway formally starts at Farman Road, four miles further west than before.   

“This will be an important designation for Enumclaw,” said Kelvin Schipper, Executive Director of the Enumclaw Chamber of Commerce.  “Enumclaw is already recognized on the Chinook Scenic Byway maps, but to have state senate bill 5030 and state House bill 1028 pass means our city would be officially on the map, which we hope would result in a boost in tourism dollars.  We really appreciate the collective efforts of everyone involved in this endeavor.”

Tourism dollars are especially coveted in what many consider a stagnant economy.  According to documents released at the Washington Tourism Alliance Summit March 12, visitors spent $16.9 billion in Washington in 2012, generating more than $1 billion in local/state tax revenue. 

“Tourism is Washington State’s fourth largest export industry and the Enumclaw Chamber and Visitor Center leverages its tourism marketing efforts by partnering with Visit Rainier to showcase our city to travelers.  We also fully support the Washington Tourism Alliance’s efforts to market the entire State of Washington,” said Schipper.  “The Visitor Center is updating its visitor guide and is working with downtown merchants, State parks, the Chinook Pass Scenic Byway Committee and others to continue to promote visiting Enumclaw.”

Tourism promotion was reignited last summer with the reopening of the Enumclaw Visitor Center.  Between June and August 2012 over 300 visitors stopped in to inquire solely about traveling around Enumclaw and the Mt. Rainier area.  In addition to being open to visitors six days a week, the Chamber website lists all local happenings and the Visitor Center sells tickets to dozens of community events. 

“The Chamber and Visitor Center is the first place tourists and residents look for information on shopping, dining and attractions in and around Enumclaw, and it is our goal to continue to educate the public on all there is to see and do in our community.  It is our hope that this official designation will add to our marketing efforts.”

For more information contact the Enumclaw Chamber of Commerce at 360-825-7666 or visit www.enumlawchamber.com.