Seattle: A Hub of Activity and Economic Growth
Seattle remains the central attraction for tourism in Washington. In 2024, the city and King County welcomed approximately 40 million visitors who spent an estimated $8.8 billion. Canadian travelers played a significant role in this rebound, with over 1.7 million visits and around $584 million in spending last year. This cross-border activity fuels weekend shopping, ballpark trips, and pre-cruise stays.
The 2025 cruise season is expected to be particularly strong, with nearly 300 ship calls and almost two million passengers anticipated. The port estimates that this will inject roughly $900 million into the local economy. This increased demand has led to higher hotel performance across the city, with industry forecasters expecting Seattle to set a new high for revenue per available room in 2025. Business travel, meetings, and major events are contributing to this growth alongside leisure demand.
The airport story is equally promising. Seattle-Tacoma International Airport set a single-day record in 2024 with about 198,000 passengers passing through its terminals. With more international services planned for 2025, these large days are becoming more frequent.
Bellevue: Premium Stays and Meetings Drive Success
Across Lake Washington, Bellevue has emerged as a distinct destination. In 2024, the city recorded about 2.2 million overnight visitors and continues to maintain some of the state's highest average room rates. Upscale shopping, new restaurants, and a consistent calendar of meetings at the Meydenbauer Center keep weekdays lively, while weekends attract leisure travelers seeking a polished base close to Seattle without the hustle of the city itself.
Spokane: Record Visits and Sports Tourism
Spokane is experiencing its most successful year yet. The county welcomed a record 10.1 million visitors in 2024, with spending reaching approximately $1.53 billion. The downtown riverfront continues to thrive, and sports events play a significant role in driving tourism. Youth tournaments, college events, and big concerts fill hotel blocks and keep restaurants busy. Spokane's location draws visitors from eastern Washington, northern Idaho, and southern British Columbia, spreading demand beyond peak summer months.
Tacoma and Pierce County: Cultural Attractions and Economic Impact
Tacoma and Pierce County reported about $1.7 billion in direct visitor spending in 2024, with a total tourism impact of around $5.3 billion. This activity supports over 28,000 jobs across the county. Tacoma's museum district serves as a cultural anchor, while the waterfront continues to offer new reasons to stay. Sports and conventions fill the calendar, and Mount Rainier is just a short trip away for those looking to combine city culture with mountain views.
Vancouver, Washington: Gateway to the Columbia River
Vancouver, located just across the river from Portland, benefits from its strategic location. In 2024, Clark County hotels averaged about 67.6% occupancy with an average daily rate of around $134. Visitors spent roughly $743 million across the county. Travelers appreciate the new riverfront, easy access to Portland International Airport, and the ability to pair urban food stops with tax-friendly shopping.
Yakima Valley: Wine Country and Sports Tourism
Yakima Valley's tourism scene blends vineyards, farm visits, and a robust sports schedule that attracts families throughout the year. The region recorded about 2.5 million visits in 2024, with nearly 500,000 room nights tied to those trips. Visitor spending reached the upper three-hundreds of millions, and local officials note that sports tourism is expanding with more tournaments on the books. For those seeking tasting rooms, breweries, and orchard views, Yakima Valley offers a perfect escape.
Tri Cities: River Life and Event-Driven Growth
The Tri Cities of Kennewick, Pasco, and Richland delivered a strong 2024 with about $643 million in visitor spending and nearly four million visits. The Columbia River serves as the backdrop for paddle days and sunset walks, while wineries and science attractions add depth for longer stays. Big events, such as triathlons and championship tournaments, are drawing visitors who book multiple nights and return the following year with friends.
Bellingham and Whatcom County: Cross-Border Travel Trends
North of Seattle, Whatcom County is closely linked to Canadian travel patterns. Visitor spending in 2024 reached about $776 million with over three million visits. While cross-border traffic has been affected by currency fluctuations and policy tensions, deals and events that appeal to Canadians remain important. Bellingham makes an easy stop for craft beer, bookstores, and a meal on the bay for those traveling to Vancouver or the islands.
Choosing Your Destination
Washington’s visitor economy is broad and resilient. Seattle continues to draw global attention with cruises and major events. Bellevue caters to premium stays and meetings. Spokane and the Tri Cities prove that sports and riverfronts can power record years. Tacoma offers a packed weekend with museums and waterfront activities. Vancouver provides an easy base for airport access and river views. Yakima Valley delivers award-winning wine and farm-to-table experiences. The Tri Cities deliver river trails, events, and sunshine. And for those road-tripping to Canada, Bellingham offers a convenient stop.
Washington is not just recovering; it is growing. This is great news for travelers seeking choice, good value outside the biggest weekends, and a steady pipeline of new places to stay and play.
