Photo by Erinn J. Hale
In 2026, Visit Kitsap Peninsula is leading with one powerful word: Connection.
Connection is what makes travel meaningful. It’s more than an itinerary or a bucket list—it’s the feeling of belonging somewhere new, even for a moment. It’s the ferry ride where the city fades behind you and the peninsula comes into view. It’s the barista who remembers your name. It’s the trail that leads to a quiet beach, and the shared smile when you realize you’ve discovered something special.
For the Kitsap Peninsula, connection isn’t just a theme—it’s our identity.
We’re a peninsula shaped by water and movement, linked by ferries, bridges, and scenic highways. But what truly connects Kitsap isn’t infrastructure. It’s people. It’s culture. It’s community pride. It’s the way a destination can feel like home, even for first-time visitors.
Photo by Full Circle Photo
Tourism thrives when visitors feel welcomed, seen, and invited into a place with heart. In 2026, our marketing and storytelling will focus on creating those moments of connection—moments that turn a quick trip into a lasting memory, and a first visit into a return visit.
That means highlighting experiences that encourage:
Connection to place through outdoor recreation, waterfront experiences, and scenic landscapes
Connection to culture through local art, Indigenous history, maritime heritage, and community traditions
Connection to people through small businesses, hospitality, and the joy of local interaction
Because when someone feels connected to Kitsap, they don’t just pass through—they stay longer, explore deeper, and share the experience with others.
Photo by Emma Avery
Tourism isn’t only about visitors. It’s about supporting the local businesses, creatives, event organizers, and hospitality workers who make Kitsap vibrant year-round.
A “Connection” focus means we’ll continue strengthening partnerships across the peninsula—from Poulsbo to Bremerton, Bainbridge Island to Port Orchard, and beyond. It means amplifying the stories of the people who shape this place. It means building pride, opportunity, and economic resilience through travel.
2026 will be a year of energy in our region—and we’re ready to welcome it with intention.
Whether you live here or you’re visiting for the first time, we invite you to experience Kitsap through connection: to nature, to community, and to the moments that stay with you long after you leave.
Welcome to 2026. Welcome to Connection.
Photo by Olya Blase
In 2026, we’re inviting our community to help shape how visitors experience Kitsap Peninsula. Want to share your favorite local place, hidden gem, tradition, or “only-in-Kitsap” moment? Sign up to be part of our Community Takeover Series and help visitors feel connected—before they even arrive.
Submit your takeover idea. Click/tap here.