We are a non-profit, 501(c)6 economic development agency created and incorporated in 1999. We've served as San Juan County's and the Town of Friday Harbor's contracted, locally staffed, destination marketing organization since 2003, when we combined forces with the County's then Visitor Information Services organization. Over the past 20 years, we've evolved into a destination marketing and management organization (DMMO) as we continue to focus on responsible, stewardship-minded tourism via branding and messaging, striving to help balance a vibrant, year-round economy with the quality of residents' lives and sense of place, our environment, and our visitors' experiences.
Our mission since 2003 has been "To enhance the economic prosperity of San Juan County by promoting the San Juan Islands as a preferred, year-round travel destination, while respecting and sustaining the Islands' unique and diverse ecosystems, environments, lifestyles, and cultures." We focus on attracting visitors here during spring, fall and winter to help balance out the year for the Islands' small businesses, non-profits, and Islanders who work in hospitality and related industries.
We partner with the Lopez, Orcas and San Juan Island Chambers of Commerce which provide visitor information services at their locations, in addition to their important Chamber work. We're funded by County and Town of Friday Harbor lodging tax (paid by visitors) as well as by membership dues and website advertising fees. For 2023, we received 26% of the County lodging tax collected in 2022, while 74% helped fund many community assets including history and art museums, community theatres, parks, the fair, festivals, farmers markets, the arts, and more. In addition, some of the County lodging tax was saved in a reserve fund for future projects.
Learn about the history of tourism in the San Juan Islands with these History Link essays: Part 1 and Part 2.
We are a membership organization and currently serve approximately 225 members on all four islands. If you're interested in membership, you can print out and mail in an application (P.O. Box 1330, Friday Harbor, WA 98250) or submit it online. Please contact Annesa Knowles at info@visitsanjuans.com (360) 378-9551 ext. 1 if you have questions and thank you for your interest.
2024 Business Membership Application or Renewal
2024 Accommodation Membership Application or Renewal
2024 Marketplace Membership Application
Member Resources (meeting recordings, surveys, etc.)
Member "Savor the San Juans" Fall Promotions Tool Kit
Visit our Media page: Find press releases, one-sheets on Food & Farms, Family Activities, Scenic Byway, Storylines, Photos & more.
What's New & Cool in the San Juans? We publish our list a few times a year - make sure your business is featured, email amy@visitsanjuans.com
How Tourism Benefits the San Juan Islands
For more information about us, including past semi-annual and annual reports, email Executive Director Deborah Hoskinson at deborah@visitsanjuans.com.
President & Lodging/Restaurant Rep: Anna Maria de Freitas, Harrison House Suites, Tucker House Inn, Coho Restaurant, San Juan Island
Vice President & Lodging/Farm Stay Rep: Lydia Miller, Pebble Cove Farm Inn & Animal Sanctuary, Orcas Island
Treasurer/Secretary & Lodging Rep: Anthony Rovente, The Edenwild Boutique Inn, Lopez Island
Lopez Island Chamber of Commerce Director: Andrea Huss
Orcas Island Chamber of Commerce Director: Carey Eskridge
San Juan Island Chamber of Commerce Director: Becki Day
San Juan County Economic Development Council Rep: TBD
Lodging/Spa Rep: Laura Saccio, Earthbox Inn & Spa and Bird Rock Hotel, San Juan Island
Outdoor Recreation/Watchable Wildlife Rep: Jeff Friedman, Maya's Legacy Whale Watching & Member of Pacific Whale Watch Association
Environmental Stewardship/Terrestrial Managers Rep: Kendra Smith, San Juan County Dept. of Environmental Stewardship
Lodging Rep: Amanda Zimlich, Otter's Pond B&B, Orcas Island
Deborah Hoskinson, Executive Director, deborah@visitsanjuans.com, 360-378-3277 ext. 5
Annesa Knowles, Visitor/Membership Services Manager, info@visitsanjuans.com, 360-378-9551 ext.1
Amy Nesler, Communications/Stewardship Manager, amy@visitsanjuans.com, 360-378-9551 ext. 6 & 8
Anna Erickson, Digital Marketing/Film/Outreach Manager, marketing@visitsanjuans.com, 360-378-9551 ext. 7
