The sunniest spring in recent memory has helped warm up the tourism industry here, with some tour operators and others reporting visitor traffic is holding its own, if not growing in some sectors.

That’s pretty positive news given the recession, and there are many factors involved, as our story on our business page today points out. But there’s a long ways to go in terms of seeing how this season plays out.

And what about the future? There’s more to building and sustaining a tourism sector compatible with the community than just rolling out the welcome mat and hoping for sunshine and a regional economy strong enough to float all boats.

That brings us back once more to the Anacortes Futures Project and its thoughtful examination and analysis of this important part of our economy.

Some of the concepts are already in play.

The Anacortes Chamber of Commerce continues to work on extending the tourism season with shoulder season events. The Spring Wine Festival was a big hit, and the Jazz Festival has been moved back to October.

The chamber’s new branding and marketing campaign — Coast in. Hang out. — emphasizes we’re a destination not a gateway.

The Port of Anacortes keeps improving the Cap Sante Boat Haven, making it more usable and friendly to visitors and locals alike.

How does it all fit together? Do we need more waterfront lodging, dining and recreation opportunities? Should we consider a conference center or tourism draw such as a maritime history museum?

Good questions for a community discussion. Hopefully the upcoming port commissioner races will put a focus on some of these issues, given that the port is such a big player in the tourism arena.

The direction of the tourism industry, and its size and scope, can be in our hands. Better to shape the future than sit back and watch.