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Visit Bellevue Washington Reveals New Brand Identity

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Visit Bellevue Washington Reveals New Brand Identity
News

News

Visit Bellevue Washington Reveals New Brand Identity

2025-07-25 01:50 Last Updated At:02:00

BELLEVUE, Wash.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Jul 24, 2025--

Visit Bellevue, the official destination marketing organization for Bellevue, Washington, unveils a bold new tourism brand identity and campaign in partnership with creative agency 62ABOVE. The rebrand reflects Bellevue’s evolution from a quiet tech and innovation hub into a modern, globally connected basecamp city for Seattle and Pacific Northwest travel. The brand launch kicks off with a new campaign, “ Unexpect It,” to capture the spirit of a city that consistently defies expectations – perfectly positioned between lakes and mountains for easy access to wonder and nature, while offering refined city experiences like a bustling restaurant scene, plush new hotels, and world-class retail and entertainment.

This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20250724456312/en/

“Bellevue has transformed in ways that even locals are still catching up to,” says Brad Jones, Visit Bellevue’s Executive Director. “This brand reflects Bellevue’s pulse – creative, global, welcoming, and constantly evolving. It’s a place where culture is celebrated, community is strong, flavor is savored, adventure is invigorating, and discovery is around every corner. Our research suggests that there’s only one way to experience Bellevue: Unexpect It.”

A SPIRIT OF INNOVATION:

The announcement comes at a pivotal moment for the destination, following its strongest tourism year to date in 2024 and a remarkable wave of growth. In the past year alone, Bellevue has welcomed 80 new restaurants, the region’s first InterContinental hotel, and new experiences like an award-winning walking food tour, culinary weeks, electric lake cruises, and a downtown recreation center offering easy access to kayaking and paddleboarding. Rooted in its tech-forward DNA, Bellevue is a city built with intention - where innovation isn’t just part of the past, but a driving force behind the future. Every detail of the visitor experience reflects years of thoughtful planning and a deep connection to Pacific Northwest values, ultimately creating a destination that provides walkability, sustainability, and accessibility for all. From The Bellhop, the city’s all-electric rideshare program, to its ambitious goal of becoming carbon-free by 2040, Bellevue is leading by example. That momentum continues with the launch of the East Link light rail in 2026, just ahead of the FIFA World Cup, which will connect Sea-Tac Airport, Downtown Bellevue, and Downtown Seattle in minutes. Together, these efforts are transforming Bellevue into one of the most connected, car-free, guilt-free, sustainable travel destinations in the country. The new brand arrives right on time to reflect that vision.

A BOLD NEW LOOK: LOGO & BRAND IDENTITY

As part of the rebrand, Visit Bellevue introduces a new logo that honors the city’s roots while looking boldly to the future. Inspired by Bellevue’s identity as “a city within a park”, the design blends clean modern fonts with a handwritten script, capturing both its role as a thriving tech hub and its laidback, nature-connected lifestyle. Subtle illustrations of mountain peaks, evergreen trees, and a guiding compass rose reflect Bellevue’s unique position as a gateway to adventure with easy access to Greater Seattle, three national parks, ferries and islands, Washington wine country, and endless outdoor pursuits. The result is a visual identity that mirrors the destination: innovative yet grounded, sophisticated yet approachable, and always inviting exploration.

“Working with Visit Bellevue is an incredible opportunity for 62ABOVE. We can’t wait to showcase the city’s incredible story through a powerful brand narrative that resonates with both locals and visitors alike,” says Greg Carson, President and COO of 62ABOVE. “Bellevue is a city rich in innovation and natural beauty. Together, we will create a brand that reflects the destination's unique character.”

A FRESH NEW MESSAGE: UNEXPECT IT

Bellevue’s new brand rollout launches with a new campaign: Unexpect It.

After months of research and community input, one theme rose to the surface: Bellevue surprises people. The new message captures what travelers consistently say after visiting the destination—that it defied their expectations and delighted them with the unexpected at every turn. From its dynamic dining scene and lush parks to its welcoming local spirit, visitors are continually amazed by all they find here. This spirit of discovery and surprise now anchors the destination’s story. The new messaging will unfold across digital, social, print, and experiential platforms, inviting travelers to explore a city that balances the energy of a global hub with the calm of the Pacific Northwest.

That same spirit is brought to life in the newly reimagined Mobile Welcome Center, now called The VueFinder, An UnOrdinary Welcome Center. This mobile extension of the brand is designed to meet visitors where they are—whether at local events, parks, or busy downtown corridors. With a playful and people-first approach, the VueFinder helps travelers uncover a place where upscale experiences are approachable, natural beauty is always nearby, and the atmosphere feels warm, inviting, and intentional.

STAY CONNECTED:

Discover travel tips, exclusive offers, and expert insights to help plan your perfect Bellevue getaway. For the latest news, inspiration, and accommodation options, visit www.visitbellevuewa.com.

About Visit Bellevue:

Visit Bellevue Washington (VBW) is Bellevue’s official Destination Management Organization (DMMO), representing the city’s hotels, the Meydenbauer Convention Center, and the Bellevue hospitality community, and is funded by the Tourism Promotion Area (TPA). A safe, walkable, and easily accessible city, Bellevue provides a vibrant fusion of welcoming hotels, restaurants, nightclubs, lively culture, outdoor recreation, and world-class shopping. Surrounded by pristine natural beauty with big-city amenities, Bellevue offers a wide variety of entertainment experiences and is home to innovative global corporations. Follow Visit Bellevue on social media @visitbellevue and join the conversation.

With the new brand unveiling, Visit Bellevue introduced a high-tech, mobile welcome center called The VueFinder.

With the new brand unveiling, Visit Bellevue introduced a high-tech, mobile welcome center called The VueFinder.

From left to right: Erik Dargitz, Creative Director at 62ABOVE; Belle the Bobcat, Visit Bellevue's beloved mascot; Chelsea Edwards, Director of Strategic Partnerships at 62ABOVE; and Brad Jones, Executive Director of Visit Bellevue, are all smiles at the brand launch event hosted on July 23, 2025 in Downtown Bellevue, Washington.

From left to right: Erik Dargitz, Creative Director at 62ABOVE; Belle the Bobcat, Visit Bellevue's beloved mascot; Chelsea Edwards, Director of Strategic Partnerships at 62ABOVE; and Brad Jones, Executive Director of Visit Bellevue, are all smiles at the brand launch event hosted on July 23, 2025 in Downtown Bellevue, Washington.

WASHINGTON (AP) — Venezuelan opposition leader María Corina Machado discussed her country's future with President Donald Trump at the White House on Thursday, even though he has dismissed her credibility to take over after an audacious U.S. military raid captured then-President Nicolás Maduro.

Trump has raised doubts about his stated commitment to backing democratic rule in Venezuela and signaled his willingness to work with acting President Delcy Rodríguez, who was Maduro’s No. 2. Along with others in the deposed leader’s inner circle, Rodríguez remains in charge of day-to-day government operations and was set to deliver her first state of the union speech Thursday.

In endorsing Rodríguez so far, Trump has sidelined Machado, who has long been a face of resistance in Venezuela. She also had sought to cultivate relationships with Trump and key administration voices like Secretary of State Marco Rubio among the American right wing in a gamble to ally herself with the U.S. government.

White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt said Trump had been looking forward to the lunchtime meeting with Machado and called her “a remarkable and brave voice” for the people of Venezuela. But Leavitt also said Trump's opinion of Machado had not changed, calling it "a realistic assessment."

Trump has said it would be difficult for Machado to lead because she “doesn’t have the support within or the respect within the country.” Her party is widely believed to have won 2024 elections rejected by Maduro.

Leavitt went on to say that Trump supported new Venezuelan elections “when the time is right” but did not say when he thought that might be.

Leavitt said Machado sought the face-to-face meeting without setting expectations for what would occur. Machado previously offered to share with Trump the Nobel Peace Prize she won last year, an honor he has coveted.

“I don’t think he needs to hear anything from Ms. Machado," the press secretary said, other than to have a ”frank and positive discussion about what’s taking place in Venezuela.”

Machado spent about two and a half hours at the White House but left without answering questions on whether she'd offered to give her Nobel prize to Trump, saying only “gracias."

After her White House stop, Machado plans to have a meeting at the Senate. Her Washington visit began after U.S. forces in the Caribbean Sea seized another sanctioned oil tanker that the Trump administration says had ties to Venezuela.

It is part of a broader U.S. effort to take control of the South American country’s oil after U.S. forces seized Maduro and his wife at a heavily guarded compound in the Venezuelan capital of Caracas and brought them to New York to stand trial on drug trafficking charges.

Leavitt said Venezuela's interim authorities have been fully cooperating with the Trump administration and that Rodríguez's government said it planned to release more prisoners detained under Maduro. Among those released were five Americans this week.

Rodríguez has adopted a less strident position toward Trump then she did immediately after Maduro's ouster, suggesting that she can make the Republican administration's “America First” policies toward the Western Hemisphere, work for Venezuela — at least for now.

Trump said Wednesday that he had a “great conversation” with Rodríguez, their first since Maduro was ousted.

“We had a call, a long call. We discussed a lot of things,” Trump said during an Oval Office bill signing. “And I think we’re getting along very well with Venezuela.”

Even before indicating the willingness to work with Venezuela's interim government, Trump was quick to snub Machado. Just hours after Maduro's capture, Trump said of Machado that “it would be very tough for her to be the leader.”

Machado has steered a careful course to avoid offending Trump, notably after winning the peace prize. She has since thanked Trump, though her offer to share the honor with him was rejected by the Nobel Institute.

Machado’s whereabouts have been largely unknown since she went into hiding early last year after being briefly detained in Caracas. She briefly reappeared in Oslo, Norway, in December after her daughter received the Nobel Peace Prize on her behalf.

The industrial engineer and daughter of a steel magnate began challenging the ruling party in 2004, when the nongovernmental organization she co-founded, Súmate, promoted a referendum to recall then-President Hugo Chávez. The initiative failed, and Machado and other Súmate executives were charged with conspiracy.

A year later, she drew the anger of Chávez and his allies again for traveling to Washington to meet President George W. Bush. A photo showing her shaking hands with Bush in the Oval Office lives in the collective memory. Chávez considered Bush an adversary.

Almost two decades later, she marshaled millions of Venezuelans to reject Chávez’s successor, Maduro, for another term in the 2024 election. But ruling party-loyal electoral authorities declared him the winner despite ample credible evidence to the contrary. Ensuing anti-government protests ended in a brutal crackdown by state security forces.

Garcia Cano reported from Caracas, Venezuela, and Janetsky from Mexico City. AP Diplomatic Writer Matthew Lee in Washington contributed to this report.

Venezuelan opposition leader María Corina Machado gestures to supporters on Pennsylvania Avenue as she leaves the White House after meeting with President Donald Trump Thursday, Jan. 15, 2026, in Washington. (AP Photo/Pablo Martinez Monsivais)

Venezuelan opposition leader María Corina Machado gestures to supporters on Pennsylvania Avenue as she leaves the White House after meeting with President Donald Trump Thursday, Jan. 15, 2026, in Washington. (AP Photo/Pablo Martinez Monsivais)

Venezuelan opposition leader María Corina Machado waves to supporters on Pennsylvania Avenue as she leaves the White House after meeting with President Donald Trump Thursday, Jan. 15, 2026, in Washington. (AP Photo/Pablo Martinez Monsivais)

Venezuelan opposition leader María Corina Machado waves to supporters on Pennsylvania Avenue as she leaves the White House after meeting with President Donald Trump Thursday, Jan. 15, 2026, in Washington. (AP Photo/Pablo Martinez Monsivais)

Venezuelan opposition leader María Corina Machado smiles on Pennsylvania Avenue as she leaves the White House after meeting with President Donald Trump Thursday, Jan. 15, 2026, in Washington. (AP Photo/Pablo Martinez Monsivais)

Venezuelan opposition leader María Corina Machado smiles on Pennsylvania Avenue as she leaves the White House after meeting with President Donald Trump Thursday, Jan. 15, 2026, in Washington. (AP Photo/Pablo Martinez Monsivais)

Venezuelan opposition leader María Corina Machado waves to supporters on Pennsylvania Avenue as she leaves the White House after meeting with President Donald Trump Thursday, Jan. 15, 2026, in Washington. (AP Photo/Pablo Martinez Monsivais)

Venezuelan opposition leader María Corina Machado waves to supporters on Pennsylvania Avenue as she leaves the White House after meeting with President Donald Trump Thursday, Jan. 15, 2026, in Washington. (AP Photo/Pablo Martinez Monsivais)

FILE - U.S. President George Bush, right, meets with Maria Corina Machado, executive director of Sumate, a non-governmental organization that defends Venezuelan citizens' political rights, in the Oval Office of the White House, Washington, May 31, 2005. (AP Photo/Charles Dharapak, File)

FILE - U.S. President George Bush, right, meets with Maria Corina Machado, executive director of Sumate, a non-governmental organization that defends Venezuelan citizens' political rights, in the Oval Office of the White House, Washington, May 31, 2005. (AP Photo/Charles Dharapak, File)

FILE - Opposition leader Maria Corina Machado gestures to supporters during a protest against President Nicolas Maduro the day before his inauguration for a third term, in Caracas, Venezuela, Thursday, Jan. 9, 2025. (AP Photo/Ariana Cubillos, file)

FILE - Opposition leader Maria Corina Machado gestures to supporters during a protest against President Nicolas Maduro the day before his inauguration for a third term, in Caracas, Venezuela, Thursday, Jan. 9, 2025. (AP Photo/Ariana Cubillos, file)

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