Christy Garrard, Destination Regeneration Program

View The Overview

The Destination Regeneration Program involves convening our local partners in tourism, hospitality, arts, and culture to begin collaborating on fee-based visitor experience itineraries that support each organization's mission and goals. Itinerary planning would prioritize shoulder season experiences to enhance economic development in Issaquah.

This process would be facilitated by the Transformational Travel Council (TTC) experts. Partner participants would be guided in a 12-month learning journey using the guiding principles of community-based tourism, and transformational travel design philosophy.

These curated products will be marketed by Visit Issaquah to meeting planners, group tour operators, and cruise lines. Itinerary planning would prioritize shoulder season experiences to enhance economic vibrancy.

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About Visit Issaquah

Mission: Convener of tourism and hospitality partners for positive economic development through destination marketing.

Established in 2018 as a nonprofit in Washington state, the purpose of Visit Issaquah is to serve as Issaquah’s official Destination Marketing Organization. Visit Issaquah increases tourism in the region by marketing hotels, amenities, attractions, and events to create additional tax revenue and spending in the community through tourism.

The management of Visit Issaquah is conducted by the Board of Directors consisting of 3-5 members, including one representative appointed by the City of Issaquah and at least two representatives from Issaquah hotels.

The Board of Directors hires staff. Currently, Visit Issaquah has one employee, the Executive Director.

The work of Visit Issaquah is funded by lodging tax dollars allocated annually by the Issaquah City Council.

About Christy Gerrard

I work with planners and producers to represent them to hotels & destinations in beautiful Issaquah Washington. My role is funded by lodging tax dollars. I offer unbiased, transparent, and COMPLIMENTARY services & consulting for your sourcing, negotiations, contracts and vendor partners. YOU are in complete control of your meetings and decisions, I make sure you have clear and varied options.

I find joy in exceeding expectations. Convening and collaborating with others to do good work or achieve goals is my fuel. Providing solid return on investment in me, or initiatives I lead, is my bar of excellence.