We are here for you! Bellingham Whatcom County Tourism has reformatted our Tourism Talk e-news to provide ongoing information. We have also added tourism industry resources to Bellingham.org for access at anytime. We are here to help all our members navigate these uncertain times.
Washington State Updates
We have created the following phase by phase graphics based on the Governor's guidance to indicate our current status to visitors. Please let us know if you would like to utilize the graphics for your business.
Governor Inslee issues guidance for partially resuming in-store retail in Phase 2
Through the Washington "Safe Start" plan, more businesses and activities will re-open in subsequent phases with adequate safety and health standards in place. Each phase will be at least three weeks - metrics and data will guide when the state can move from one phase to another.
Gov. Inslee has issued the following guidance for partially resuming limited in-store retail in Phase 2:
Governor Inslee's guidance for partially resuming the dine-in restaurant and tavern industry in Phase 2
After consulting with stakeholders the Governor has developed the comprehensive Phase 2 - Dine-In Restaurant and Tavern Industry COVID-19 Requirements. These requirements apply as long as Gubernatorial Proclamation 20-25, or any extension thereof, is in effect or if adopted as rules by a federal, state or local regulatory agency.
On May 5, 2020, the Whatcom County Council approved an amendment to County Code that provides a six-month extension of operating permits for some food establishments, granting relief from annual fees that would otherwise be due during that time.
Eligible businesses whose operating permits expire between March 1, 2020 and February 28, 2021 will receive the extension. The eligible food establishments include taverns; simple, moderate, and complex menu restaurants; food trucks; and food establishment bars and additional kitchens.
The permit term extension does not apply to supermarkets and convenience stores without deli operations.
City of Bellingham park visitors must recreate responsibly in order to keep our parks and trails open during this ongoing health crisis. In alignment with Governor Jay Inslee's revised order signed May 4, Bellingham's parks and trails are open, but facilities other than park restrooms remain closed. Gathering is not permitted and social distancing is required.
While Governor Inslee's "Stay Home, Stay Healthy" order is being extended to the end of May, his "Safe Start" plan amends some components of the original order and allows for a start to re-open the state, including certain outdoor recreation activities.
Local Scenes of Inspiration
Bellingham Tonight Highlights Resiliency of Local Businesses
Bellingham Tonight is a community video platform sharing relevant stories and experiences that bring people together. Tourism related businesses are doing incredible things in Whatcom County during these unprecedented times. Click here to visit the Bellingham Tonight website or click here to view all their videos via youtube.
Watch this video featuring Dana Weber of Best Western Plus Bellingham Airport Hotel:
Dana Weber of Best Western Plus Bellingham Airport Hotel discusses the impact on local hotels & the hospitality industry
We aren't out and about enjoying all our city has to offer as we stay home and stay healthy, but there is a solution to your I-miss-Bellingham blues: Bellinghamopoly. This Bellingham-based version of the classic Monopoly game is a fun way to trek through the town from the comfort of your couch.
Not sure which restaurants and breweries are open or offering to-go and curbside pickup in Bellingham and Whatcom County? This list of restaurants and businesses provides visitors and locals with everything they need to know to find great food and support our community during the current coronavirus situation. Let's support each other!
Our region is full of beauty! Send us your scenic photos from all around the county and enter them in our latest contest for a chance at a prize! Yes, members can enter. Members can also donate prizes. Enter
here.
Questions? We are happy to answer them for you.
Give us a call at 360-671-3990,
email us or visit our website at
bellingham.org.
