With an eye toward the 2026 FIFA World Cup and a surge in regional tourism, the South Kitsap Chamber of Commerce is working to promote local Airbnbs, VRBOs and other short-term rentals.

The effort comes in response to both rising visitor demand and the anticipated influx of travelers tied to World Cup events hosted in Seattle, said Jaclyn Williams, executive assistant for the Chamber.

“We’ve regularly received calls from visitors asking for more lodging options in the past, but with the anticipated increase in tourism tied to FIFA, our need has become much more immediate and focused,” Williams said.

As part of the initiative, the Chamber is creating an online directory to showcase locally available short-term rentals. The goal is to have the resource live well ahead of the World Cup to give travelers an easy way to find accommodations in South Kitsap.

Ensuring visitors have diverse and plentiful lodging options is crucial for boosting the local economy, Williams said.

“It’s a logical assumption that every guest is going to spend money directly in the community at some point during their stay — supporting restaurants, shops, and local attractions — bringing direct dollars into our community,” she said.

Port Orchard has a handful of hotels and established inns, but the number of available rooms is limited compared to neighboring cities, particularly during major events, Williams said. Expanding lodging inventory through short-term rentals is seen as a necessary step to accommodate more visitors.

“Including smaller, locally-owned rentals is crucial,” Williams said. “We want to make sure that opportunities aren’t just concentrated with big hotels. Local homeowners can directly benefit from the tourism boom, helping families and small businesses thrive.”

Local tourism has already been on the rise in recent years, thanks to waterfront activities, festivals and community events that continue to attract larger crowds. In preparation for 2026, South Kitsap and Port Orchard community partners are meeting to strengthen collaborations, improve visitor resources and ensure a positive experience for guests.

“While the event itself may not be right in our backyard, the ripple effects on our area will be significant, so we all want to be ready,” Williams said.

The Chamber is encouraging rental owners to participate in the directory by filling out a short online survey.

“If you’re on the fence about listing your property, we encourage you to take the leap,” Williams said. “You’ll not only gain potential income but also help welcome visitors and showcase the best of South Kitsap.”

For more information visit: lp.constantcontactpages.com/sv/h1YTuSu/SKonlinerentals