The Lodging Tax Advisory Committee met April 18 and recommended a $10,000 funding request tied to the 2026 FIFA World Cup — which aims to position Port Orchard as a destination for international and regional visitors during the high-profile tournament that will have matches in Seattle.

The City Council will vote on the funding request at a future meeting.

The application, submitted through the city’s annual lodging tax grant program, outlines a sweeping marketing initiative meant to align Port Orchard with nearby FIFA Fan Zones and capitalize on the influx of visitors expected in the greater Seattle area. Per the proposal, 90% of the requested budget would go toward marketing efforts, with the remaining 10% covering operational costs.

Proposed is a multi-pronged approach, including developing a FIFA-themed identity for Port Orchard, running a digital and social media campaign, partnering with local businesses and short-term rental operators, and creating soccer-related events such as youth tournaments and meet-and-greets with athletes.

The plan also includes promoting day trips and extended stays in Port Orchard to World Cup fans visiting Seattle, and building partnerships with entities like Love Kitsap, Kitsap County chambers, the state tourism board, and downtown associations.

Key strategies include showcasing Port Orchard through coordinated messaging with Kitsap’s official FIFA Fan Zone, soccer-themed events aligned with community traditions such as the Farmers Market and Fourth of July celebrations, creating a visitor microsite and targeted advertising to reach regional, national, and international audiences, and promoting overnight stays through hotels, Airbnb listings, and vacation rentals in South Kitsap.

However, some committee members expressed skepticism about whether now is the right time for such a large-scale campaign, especially given ongoing struggles faced by local downtown organizations.

“Well, I’m interested to see what $10,000 they’re going to highlight in Port Orchard, there is only one and a half hotels,” said committee member Samantha Smith, owner of Josephine’s Mercantile and Revival, who represents downtown merchants and the Port Orchard Bay Street Association.

Smith also pointed to concerns about the state of downtown, saying that foundational local events like Fathoms O’ Fun are “already in jeopardy. My biggest concern is the term ‘Surviving 2025 downtown,’” she said. “We need to look at every penny we spend … does it affect everybody in a positive way?”

The lodging tax program is funded by a tax on short-term accommodations and must be used to directly or indirectly support tourism. State law requires that applicants demonstrate how their proposals will increase overnight stays and drive economic activity in Port Orchard.

To qualify, applicants must hold a valid city business license, complete all required forms, and, if awarded, enter into a professional services agreement with the city. Reimbursements must be backed with receipts, media samples, or other proof of performance. Previous funding recipients must also submit detailed reports showing their past impact, such as the number of visitors drawn from 50 miles away or more.