Watch for opportunities to share your perspective this spring
information released; photo courtesy of Visit Chelan County
Chelan County has commissioned an independent, in-depth study to understand the impacts of tourism on our community.
This objective, data-driven analysis will explore the economic, fiscal, sociocultural, environmental and community effects of tourism on residents and businesses throughout the county.
The County has engaged BERK Consulting, an independent consulting firm, to conduct the study and deliver actionable insights. These findings will guide county and city decisions to amplify tourism’s positive contributions while addressing any challenges it brings.
Community input will play a role in understanding the impacts of tourism on Chelan County residents and businesses. Opportunities for individuals and groups to share their perspectives will be widely publicized and available from March to May.
The study’s results are expected to be released in late 2025 or early 2026. For more information and ongoing updates, visit the project webpage.
Chelan County Tourism Impact Project Overview
Chelan County has commissioned a comprehensive study of the impacts of tourism. Chelan County draws visitors from the nearby region and tourists from every corner of Washington state and beyond. While it’s easy to appreciate the positive aspects of Chelan County’s tourism economy, or to criticize the negative impacts it creates, the full impacts of tourism are complex.
The study will assess the economic, fiscal, sociocultural, environmental, and community impacts of tourism on Chelan County, as summarized below. The results of the study will inform strategies and sustainable development initiatives that enhance the positive impacts of tourism while mitigating negative impacts.
