The power of travel is felt deeply across our local communities. The travel and tourism industry drives jobs and fuels economies. During the pandemic, tourism has stalled, leading to 65% of unemployment claims last year.
It’s time to turn toward recovery. JayRay’s tourism client partners are resilient as they continue finding new ways to reach visitors. Taking a regional trip, visiting attractions and supporting locally owned businesses (safely, of course) all play a vital role in helping these destinations and all of our local cities.
Get to know these destinations we support and plan a trip somewhere new in honor of National Travel and Tourism Week: May 3-9, 2021.
Road-Trip Ready Destinations
Olympic Peninsula
Explore more than 300 miles of adventure on Washington’s Olympic Peninsula. Plan a road trip and drive the loop with stops along the coast, rainforest and charming towns. It’s a magical place where you can relax near a peaceful river, explore ocean sea life at low tide and hike through a lush forest to a towering waterfall all on the same day and still make it back to town in time for dinner.
Explore Wilsonville
Experience Oregon the Wilsonville way. Stay in the heart of it all with wine country, shopping and family fun just 16 miles south of Portland. Plan a trip with multi-day regional itineraries. Pick a theme or mix and match for your perfect getaway. Each itinerary includes a custom map, so planning a visit is as easy as pressing “go.”
Puget Sound Staycations
Experience Olympia & Beyond
This decidedly different destination offers quirky, unique experiences like Revival Motors, a motorcycle shop and coffee bar, or Iron Works Boutique, which has gifts for all occasions, clothing, jewelry and home furnishings too. Get inspired for spring with a tour of Thurston County hidden gems.
Travel Tacoma – Mt. Rainier Tourism and Sports
Many of you are probably aware of the destination in JayRay’s own backyard…but there are new restaurants popping up (yes, even right now) and have you ever rented a paddle board or kayak on the Thea Foss Waterway or the gondola in Gig Harbor? Try something new and be sure to visit the new website for ideas.
South King County Itinerary
Visit Kent
Named among the top 10 most ethnically diverse cities in America, Kent has an authentic spread of local and global fares to savor. From Afghan Kebab House—kebabs topped with flavorful chutney—to Asadero—a Mexican steakhouse with prime Sonoran beef, navigate your way to the Kent Food Trails.
Visit Renton
Wander along Lake Washington at Gene Coulon Park or explore downtown, which has murals around every corner. Cyclists can hop on the Cedar River Trail from Renton to Seattle. This growing city holds unexpected finds for visitors like Jimi Hendrix’s memorial. Plan a trip with custom itineraries.
Whatever adventure you seek, share it with #NTTW21 on social media. Call businesses before you visit to make sure they’re open. See you out there!