Most people picture tourism as snapshots of sunsets, cruise-ship selfies, or weekenders strolling through downtown. But the truth is far bigger – and far more relevant to Kitsap County than many realize. Tourism is an economic engine, a jobs generator, and or the most reliable ways communities like ours strengthen small businesses, maintain public space, and tell the story of who we are.

In 2024, visitors generated over half a billion dollars in direct spending here in Kitsap. That’s money flowing into local restaurants, hotels, shops, farms, and attractions. It helps fund the county’s roads, public safety, parks, and waterfront improvements through lodging taxes and sales taxes. Even if you never take a vacation or post a photo, tourism touches your daily life in ways that don’t shop on

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