Discover Lewis County and the White Pass Scenic Byway have been awarded a $25,000 Rural Tourism Research and Data Grant from State of Washington Tourism. The funding will support a comprehensive website usability study to enhance the digital experience for visitors exploring Lewis County and the White Pass Scenic Byway, according to a news release.
The grant will enable Discover Lewis County and the White Pass Scenic Byway to conduct in-depth usability interviews with leisure travelers, analyze website engagement and generate insights to optimize content and functionality. The study will focus on improving the effectiveness of discoverlewiscounty.com and whitepassbyway.com as tourism promotion tools, ensuring they provide relevant, engaging and accessible information to visitors.
Future Partners will oversee the usability study, managing participant recruitment, interview moderation and data analysis. The project deliverables will include a detailed report of findings, an online presentation and digital recordings of user interviews. Additionally, heatmapping analysis will be conducted to assess user engagement with key website features.
“We are thrilled to receive this grant, which will allow us to refine our digital presence and better serve travelers looking to explore the natural beauty and attractions of Lewis County and the White Pass Scenic Byway,” Todd Chaput, program manager of Discover Lewis County and the White Pass Scenic Byway, said in a news release. “With the expertise of Future Partners, we will gain valuable insights into how visitors interact with our websites and identify opportunities for improvement.”
The Rural Tourism Research and Data Grant program supports destination communities in Washington by funding projects that enhance tourism efficiency, sustainability and economic impact.
