Washington Launches Online Resource for Olympics-Bound Travelers

Web page offers travel tips, information on border crossing and attractions

OLYMPIA, Wash., July 9 /PRNewswire/ -- Washington State Tourism is making it
easy for travelers to the Vancouver 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games
to enjoy a complete Northwest experience by visiting Washington. A new Web
page, found at www.ExperienceWA.com/2010WinterGames, includes idea-generating
travel itineraries, border-crossing information and other resources to ensure
travelers can make the most of their trip as they travel to and from the 2010
Winter Games.

"Washington is proud to be a gateway to the 2010 Winter Games in Vancouver,"
said Gov. Chris Gregoire. "Whether people are just passing through, looking
to get away from the crowds or extending their stay in this beautiful corner
of the world, ExperienceWA.com/2010WinterGames provides the information they
need to have the best possible stay."

"Washington's travel industry is an important piece of our state's economic
engine," said Rogers Weed, director of the Department of Community, Trade and
Economic Development. "In 2008 alone, travelers in Washington spent $15.7
billion and we plan to take advantage of the global spotlight on the Pacific
Northwest next winter in order to spur more tourism following the Winter
Games."

Visitors to the site can explore the countless attractions that are accessible
from Vancouver and from major portals for 2010 Winter Games-bound travelers,
including SeaTac International Airport, Interstate 5 and Interstate 90. The
site also includes information on various travel options for getting to and
from the region, including trains, seaplanes and Washington's famous ferries.

Less than an hour from downtown Vancouver, Washington stands to benefit from
the increased traffic to the region during the games. It is estimated that as
many as 190,000 tourists, volunteers, staff and athletes will flock to
Vancouver in February, many of whom will pass through Washington on their way
or extend their trip with a visit to the state. At the same time, many
Vancouver residents are expected to leave the city in search of relief from
the crowds.

For more information about traveling to Washington, visit
www.ExperienceWA.com. CTED (www.cted.wa.gov) is the lead state agency charged
with enhancing and promoting sustainable community and economic vitality in
Washington.

SOURCE Washington State Tourism

Lane Keough of Edelman, +1-206-268-2283, lane.keough@edelman.com, for
Washington State Tourism