The Olympic Peninsula Tourism Commission recently held its annual Tourism Summit at 7 Cedars Hotel in Blyn, drawing 115 people from around the Olympic Peninsula as well as from the greater Seattle area and Victoria, British Columbia. We were especially pleased to welcome some of our Canadian neighbors this year.

The theme of the Tourism Summit was “The Power of Place: Sharing Stories that Shape the Visitor Experience.” Speakers, panels and work groups dove deep into the theme of storytelling, and focused on the powerful role it plays in shaping visitors’ inspiration and experiences.

To kickstart the storytelling experience, attendees had an opportunity to participate in a special totem tour hosted by the Jamestown S’Klallam Tribe, and an opportunity to visit the Tribe’s beautiful new library.

Keynote speakers at the April 7-8 event were Allen Cox, chief editorial director, Northwest Travel & Life Magazine and Meetings News Northwest Magazine; David Blandford, CEO, State of Washington Tourism; and Denise Whitaker, news anchor/reporter, KOMO 4 News.

The Tourism Summit provides the opportunity for area business leaders, civic leaders and entrepreneurs to network, share ideas and discuss new opportunities.

During a Tuesday luncheon, the tourism industry had the opportunity to celebrate some of the peninsula’s tourism pioneers.

The founding members of the Juan de Fuca Scenic Byway Association, who 20-plus years ago started the work to establish, promote and maintain the Juan de Fuca National Scenic Byway (Highway 112), are now retiring. Their work not only resulted in the national-level accreditation of this Scenic Byway, but also developed signage, educational stops, and tools to help promote the Olympic Peninsula road trip, inspiring many thousands of visitors to explore this rural area, thus bringing economic vitality to small communities dotting the highway.

In recognition of their work, the group received a letter of recognition from the National Scenic Byway Association in Washington, D.C., as well as a Certificate of Excellence in Tourism from the Olympic Peninsula Tourism Commission.

Sponsors of the Tourism Summit included host 7 Cedars; Puget Sound Express; Black Ball Ferry Line; The Resort at Port Ludlow; Red Lion Hotel Port Angeles Harbor; and Country Aire Natural Foods.

Dates and location for next year’s Olympic Peninsula Tourism Summit were announced. The 2026 Summit will take place April 21-22 at Field Arts & Events Hall in Port Angeles.