EDC expects uptick in tourism this summer

(Davenport, WA, May 31, 2016.) All signs point to a successful tourism season this summer, according to the Lincoln County Economic Development Council. Starting this year, the marinas are being managed and marketed by Guest Services, Inc., a national corporation with extensive experience in the tourism industry. In addition, the National Park Service is celebrating its Centennial and doing some marketing of its own. The combination of the two should bring increased business to local merchants who are ready to take advantage.

The National Park Service launched a “Find Your Park” campaign several months ago that encourages the public to go online at http://www.findyourpark.com and share the story of their favorite national parks. The campaign also enlisted the support of several celebrities and produced a documentary series on national parks that has been airing on TV. Shows like Good Morning America have also been bringing attention to the 100th birthday of the Park Service. Many of the EDC’s advertisements this summer will also encourage tourists to “Find Your Park” right here at Lake Roosevelt National Recreation Area. The message will go out through print advertising, social media, radio and a television commercial that will run on KHQ from June through August.

Visitors to the recreation area have lots of options. Seven Bays Marina and Keller Marina, now branded as Lake Roosevelt Adventures (www.lakerooseveltadventures.com), are ready for guests with four levels of luxury houseboats plus pontoon boats, ski boats and fishing boat rentals. The restaurant at Seven Bays Marina will be open on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays and the staff looks forward to serving great meals and Lake Roosevelt Wine to the locals as well as the tourists. The store is stocked with groceries and convenience items, souvenirs and espresso. The Keller Marina store and campground are also open. Historic Fort Spokane is now open daily, and visitors can walk the fort grounds and visit the museum and visitor center. There is a large campground, a boat launch, a swimming beach, and a large day use area. There are also Porcupine Bay, Hawk Creek, Spring Canyon campgrounds and more. Find information on them, plus several boat-in campgrounds at http://www.nps.gov/LARO.

In addition to Lake Roosevelt National Recreation Area, Lincoln County is home to several events and some great dining and shopping. Motels, restaurants and other businesses, plus a calendar of events, can be found at http://www.VisitLincolnCountyWashington.com. Another way to get tourism information is the EDC Facebook page (https://www.facebook.com/lincolncountyedc.) If you have questions that aren’t answered online, please call the EDC at 509-368-7085 or email Joyce@LincolnEDC.org.