This week, Redmond launched the “you stay, we pay” promotion that offers $100 gift certificates to visitors staying in local hotels and supporting local businesses.

The first 500 people to book a two-night stay or longer in one of the eight participating Redmond hotels will receive $100 to spend in Redmond. The $100 gift is delivered as community currency certificates and can be spent at more than 30 participating merchants.

The certificates work like cash when redeemed, and the program reimburses participating businesses 100 percent of the face value of the currency.

The list of participating businesses includes a mix of restaurants, retailers, bakeries, fitness facilities, salons, bookstores, pet supply stores and more.

For more information and to book a stay at one of the participating hotels, visit GeekOutInRedmond.com.

The tourism stimulation promotion was created by Experience Redmond to support hotels hit hard during the last year by the lack of corporate business due to the coronavirus pandemic, while at the same time helping boost small businesses in the community.

Funding for the program is made possible through revenues Redmond collects from a one percent lodging tax on the rental of hotel rooms in Redmond.