Traveler Sentiment Update; April 13, 2021

"Travel Recovery"

Aviation Industry Update

Wondering what is happening with the airline industry? Here are some highlights of the US aviation section from this month and trends moving into increased travel, from The ArkStar Group.

U.S. Travel: American Rescue Relief Resources

Ag-Related Recovery Grants

The application period for the WSDA grants ends April 16.

The Washington State Department of Agriculture (WSDA) is offering grants to small agriculture-related businesses in sectors that have suffered economically due to the coronavirus pandemic, but have been left out of earlier relief programs.

The WSDA Relief and Recovery grants, funded through a partnership with the state Department of Commerce, are intended to assist small businesses in four agriculture sectors, which include:

• Shellfish growers
• Farmers market organizations
• Agritourism farms
• Small breweries, cideries, wineries, and distilleries that depend on tap and tasting room sales

Executive Sidhu Delivers 2021 State of County Address

“I am pleased to share that the State of the County is strong,” he states. “Today optimism is in the air. We can start breathing a little easier as vaccines are being administered. Nearly one in three residents of our county have initiated the vaccination process and one in five have completed it. Restaurants and cafes are again serving customers, and schools are returning to in-person instruction,” Executive Sidhu notes, adding that the County is now also planning steps to open its offices and safely provide public access.

The complete remarks as prepared can be found here. 

WHA Statement on WA State Phase Regressions

Below is a statement from Anthony Anton, President and CEO of the Washington Hospitality Association in response to Gov. Jay Inslee’s announcement this week:

“The Washington Hospitality Association is disappointed to see three counties roll back to Phase 2. It’s especially heartbreaking for the hundreds of businesses and thousands of workers who will pay the price for a surge they did not cause. Additionally, we do not believe this will be an effective cover containment strategy, as people can easily cross county lines. We will continue to keep our focus where we believe it is most important, which is on encouraging proven strategies, including wearing masks, practicing physical distancing, gathering safely in highly regulated areas. And, most importantly, we will continue to encourage as many people as possible to get the COVID vaccine so we can move as one state toward recovery.”

Free Covid-19 Signage

There is free COVID-19 signage available for all businesses and organizations in Whatcom County. Please help us continue to spread the word about this great resource.

Visit whatcomtogether.org to download materials or request free materials to be delivered. Signage includes 11x17 poster, 8x11 poster, window decal, "Masks Required" notice and more. 

And, Free Masks for Businesses

Our Potter St location has masks for businesses to distribute, courtesy of Bellingham Chamber of Commerce. If you need to grab them on the weekends, our current hours are Friday, Saturday & Sunday 10a - 3pm. They are available at the Chamber Office on Commerical St. during the week.

Share Our Campaigns, Support Our Local Economy!

Follow Bellingham Experience on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter for daily updates and content to share.

12 Dog-friendly Breweries and Bars in Bellingham & Whatcom County

Build Your Own Campaign! 

Use our itineraries to invite folks to spend two or three days, marvel at two scenic byways, and make memories with access to world-class fun (with small town easy).

Create your own one-of-kind social media posts telling folks why they should add YOUR organization as a part of their trip!

Be sure to tag us @BellinghamExperience and #BellinghamExperience 🚗🧳

Visit Bellingham | Whatcom County Photo Contest

We are kicking off the spring Bellingham Whatcom County Tourism Photo Contest! Visitors (and locals) can now submit their photos to win big. Win local prizes like a Camber gift card or a sweet treat from Edaleen Dairy. Check out our site for more! 

Share your shot! Let your guests know they can share their trip at bellingham.org! Here’s some text to help you share: "The Visit Bellingham | Whatcom County photo contest is up and running!  Enter your best shots to win local prizes and share your unique #BellinghamExperience!"