Pierce County Lodging Association (PCLA) champions the concerns of the Lodging and Hospitality industry in the local area. Specifically, our purpose as an association is to:

• Promote the interests of the lodging industry in the Pierce County area.
• Provide industry information to its members for use and discussion.
• Maintain cooperative and productive relationships between the industry, the cities and the area Convention & Visitors Bureau.

PCLA serves the county by providing hoteliers and other industry members a regular forum at which to meet and discuss industry issues – issues that affect the individual cities: Fife, Gig Harbor, Lakewood, Puyallup and Tacoma as well as the Pierce County Area as a region.

VISION
Pierce County Lodging Association will be recognized as a respected influential leader in Pierce County’s Tourism Industry.

MISSION STATEMENT
Pierce County Lodging Association is the leader in the advocacy of lodging issues and in providing resources for the lodging businesses in Pierce County.

Did you know that you don’t have to be on the Tourism Promotion Area Commission to attend the meetings? Of course you did, but it would be helpful if you knew when and where the meetings were held.

Below is a draft 2011 schedule for the TPA. This schedule is subject to change, but public meeting notice rules apply to TPA meetings.

Meetings are currently held at the Courtyard by Marriott – Tacoma Downtown, 1515 Commerce Street, Tacoma, WA 98402. Location is subjected to change.

February 15, 2011 – 10:00AM
Regular TPAC Meeting

May 17, 2011 – 10:00AM
Regular TPAC Meeting

June 23, 2011 – 10:00AM
Decide on TPAC Appliant Presentations

July 7, 2011 – 10:00AM
Applicant Presentations & Funding Recommendations

This does not represent the entire 2011 TPAC schedule and as mentioned above, dates, time, and location is subject to change. If you have any questions us at info@piercecountylodgingassociation.com

Why is a Tourism Promotion Area (TPA) important to Pierce County?

Pierce County offers great potential as a travel destination, with many lodging properties offering a variety of experiences.  But the budget currently allocated for coordinated tourism promotion is small – much lower than other destinations competing for the same business.  With a TPA funding mechanism, a marketing plan approved by a designated committee comprised of PCLA members can be executed.

TPA funds can be allocated to new targeted sales and marketing programs including:

• smaller meetings & events
• multi-property meetings & events
• niche markets including geotourism
• partnering with national and international tour companies to add Pierce County product to itineraries
• fam tours for targeted customers
• aggressive PR programs including press/travel writer tours and coverage
• sporting event marketing enhancement

Our support of the implementation of a TPA is critical if we are to move forward with aggressive sales and marketing initiatives that will build incremental room nights.