August 26, 2020
Bellingham Whatcom County Tourism provides this Tourism Talk e-news to provide ongoing information to our local businesses. We have also added tourism industry resources to Bellingham.org for access anytime.
We are here to help all our members navigate these uncertain times.
Save The Date
2020 Washington State Tourism Conference
The Washington Tourism Alliance invites you to save the date for the 2020 Washington State Tourism Conference, 8 a.m. - 5 p.m., October 8, 2020.
 
This virtual conference represents the return of Washington's state tourism conference, last held more than a decade ago.
 
The program will include:
  • State of the travel and tourism industry
  • The latest in travel and tourism research and recovery indicators
  • Panel discussions on the Future of Outdoor Tourism, Diversity, Equity and Inclusion, and Adapting in an Age of Covid
  • Virtual lunch break to catch up with colleagues in your region
  • Virtual happy hour to network with colleagues in your sector
THANK YOU TOURISM SUPERHEROES!
Did you know - 71.5% of Americans are still highly concerned about contracting Covid-19, and 43% are hesitant to travel because they are unclear about health and safety protocols at their destination?

We applaud all our tourism businesses throughout Whatcom County for helping us communicate your commitment to guest safety. Slowly, but surely our visitors are returning. Thank you for welcoming them and setting them at ease. Please continue to share your mask photos with us at media@bellingham.org. We also encourage you to post positive mask images on your social media channels using the hashtags #MaskUpWA and #BellinghamExperience.
Earth Elements
Bellingham Training & Tennis Club
Before the pandemic, Jamie Petitto spent an adventure-filled weekend in one of her favorite Northwest towns--Bellingham, Washington. In this episode of Weekends in Washington she hits the trails for adventures in hiking, mountain-biking, beer-drinking, kayaking, belly-laughing and a whole lot of fun in "brew-tiful", beer-loving, Bellingham. 
Bellingham Mayor Seth Fleetwood has extended orders, through the end of 2020, that ​cancel City and City-permitted events, activities, and facility reservations to continue efforts to reduce the spread of COVID-19. The original order was set to expire on August 30.
The Northwest Washington Fair will return to Lynden, Washington in 2021 from Thursday, Aug. 12 to Saturday, Aug. 21. The Fair Board of Directors approved the expansion to 10 days earlier this month, concluding several years of studying the issue. “This move will position us to better fulfill our mission of providing agricultural education, positive competition, wholesome entertainment and lasting memories,” said Nate Kleindel, President of the Fair Board.
An up-close look at exotic wildlife, including a spider monkey, emu and birds of prey, will be featured during a Drive Thru Zoo in September at the Northwest Washington Fairgrounds & Event Center in Lynden. Guests will slowly drive through the Wildlife of the World exhibit at the fairgrounds, 1775 Front St., while enjoying a narrated guide right through their car’s radio. Other featured animals include a sloth, wallaby, parrots and many more. Live demonstrations will also occur at various times. The estimated drive-through time is 30-45 minutes.
Whatcom Community College’s new Phyllis & Charles Self Learning Commons has received a GOLD rating from the U.S. Green Building Council’s Leadership in Environmental Energy and Design (LEED). It is the first WCC building to achieve the GOLD distinction. LEED, an internationally recognized program, provides benchmarks for the design, construction, and operation of high-performance green buildings that use resources more efficiently than conventional buildings built to code. WCC worked with Schreiber Starling Whitehead Architects of Seattle and Colacurcio Brothers Construction of Blaine on the project.
Hotel Bellwether has named Jami Pitman this weeks “Community Hero of the Week” Award for her commitment to the Bellingham School System.

The Hotel Bellwether is continuing their new program of honoring those within Bellingham with their ‘Community Hero of the Week’ to recognize those that make a difference through their work or volunteer efforts. These nominees understand the importance of community and that a single person can make a difference. Our Local Community Hero contributes in creating an atmosphere that makes Bellingham an amazing place to call home.
Kulshan Community Land Trust (KulshanCLT) announces changes in staffing at their office located at 1303 Commercial Street, Suite 6 in Bellingham. After eight incredibly productive years as part of the KulshanCLT team, real estate broker Nikki Quinn will move on from her role as KulshanCLT Homeownership Program Director in August. Beginning in September, David Ellsworth-Keller will step into her position, relocating from Athens, Georgia.
by Hilary
The bounty of Whatcom County farms is hard to beat. Farms in Whatcom County offer everything from berries and dairy to veggies and flowers – and more. And what better way to savor summer than with fresh-from-the-harvest goods?

Every summer my kids and I head out into the county to explore the rich offerings of u-pick farms and farm stands. An afternoon traversing the countryside finds us returning home at the end of the day with cheeks rosy from the sun and arms laden with our spoils
by Lauren
One of the best ways to soak up Whatcom County is with San Juan Cruises. Spend the day exploring Bellingham Bay and the San Juan Islands on one of their whale watching or wine, beer and dinner cruises this summer and fall.
by Lorraine
When the weather cooperates, that means getting outside to stretch your legs and soak up the sunshine. Thankfully, Bellingham’s Community Boating Center (CBC) recognizes the benefits of getting out of the house to and being in nature. Instead of cancelling their season, they have taken extra precautions to ensure the community continues to have access to safe and fun education, recreation and marine stewardship on glorious Bellingham Bay. .
During these times of physical distancing, it is important that our community works to remain socially connected. The events calendar serves as a hub for Whatcom County businesses, restaurants, stores and other organizations to share their events and online activities.

August 29
August 29

Time: 10 am - 2 pm
Free
August & September 2020
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.

Bellingham Whatcom County Tourism
904 Potter Street, Bellingham, WA 98229
360-671-3990| bellingham.org