Washington's Tourism Surge: Seattle Shines, But Spokane, Tacoma, Vancouver, Yakima, and the Tri Cities Rise Too

Seattle: Big Numbers, Busy Cruises, and Hotels on the Rise

Seattle continues to be a major hub 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 recovery, with over 1.7 million visits and about $584 million in spending last year. This cross-border activity supports weekend shopping, ballpark trips, and pre-cruise stays.

The 2025 cruise season is expected to be particularly strong, with nearly 300 ship calls and close to two million passengers anticipated. The port estimates that this will inject around $900 million into the local economy. The demand for pre- and post-cruise hotel stays is one reason why citywide hotel performance is improving. Industry forecasters predict that Seattle will set a new high for revenue per available room in 2025, driven by business travel, meetings, and major events adding to leisure demand.

The airport story is also positive. Seattle-Tacoma International Airport set a single-day record in 2024 with about 198,000 passengers passing through the terminals. With more international service in 2025, these big days are becoming more common.

Bellevue: Premium Stays and Meetings Pay Off

Across Lake Washington, Bellevue has emerged as its own destination. In 2024, the city recorded about 2.2 million overnight visitors and continues to have some of the state's highest average room rates. Upscale shopping, new restaurants, and a steady calendar of meetings at the Meydenbauer Center help keep weekdays busy while weekends fill with leisure travelers looking for a polished base close to Seattle without the hustle of the city itself.

Spokane: Record Visits and a Sports Tourism Engine

Spokane is experiencing its best year yet. The county welcomed a record 10.1 million visitors in 2024, with about $1.53 billion in spending. The downtown riverfront remains a highlight, and sports continue to be a major driver. Youth tournaments, college events, and big concerts fill hotel blocks and keep restaurants bustling. Spokane’s location draws visitors from eastern Washington, northern Idaho, and southern British Columbia, spreading demand beyond peak summer months.

Tacoma and Pierce County: Museums, Waterfront, and Big Impact

Tacoma and Pierce County saw about $1.7 billion in direct visitor spending in 2024, with a total tourism impact of around $5.3 billion. This activity supports more than 28,000 jobs across the county. Tacoma's museum district serves as a cultural anchor, while the waterfront continues to add new reasons to stay. Sports and conventions fill the calendar, and Mount Rainier offers an easy day trip for those wanting both city culture and mountain views.

Vancouver, Washington: Gateway Gains on the Columbia

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 around $134. Visitors spent roughly $743 million across the county. Travelers appreciate the new riverfront, the easy access to Portland International Airport, and the ability to pair urban food stops with tax-friendly shopping on this side of the border.

Yakima Valley: Wine Country Weekends and Tournament Crowds

Yakima Valley's tourism scene blends vineyards, farm visits, and a sports schedule that attracts families year-round. 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 planned. For those seeking tasting rooms, breweries, and orchard views, this is the ideal destination.

Tri Cities: River Life, Events, and Steady 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 provides a scenic 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, draw visitors who book multiple nights and return the next year with friends.

Bellingham and Whatcom County: Cross Border Swings to Watch

North of Seattle, Whatcom County is closely linked to Canadian travel patterns. Visitor spending in 2024 reached about $776 million with more than three million visits. Cross-border traffic has been affected by currency fluctuations and policy tensions, so deals and events appealing to Canadians remain important. If you're heading to Vancouver or the islands, Bellingham makes an easy stop for craft beer, bookstores, and a meal on the bay.

The Takeaway for Travelers

Washington's visitor economy is broad and resilient. Seattle continues to attract 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 drive record years. Tacoma's museums and waterfront offer families a packed weekend without long drives. 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 if you're road-tripping to Canada, make sure to include Bellingham on your route.

Washington is not just recovering—it's building. This is great news for travelers seeking choice, good value outside the busiest weekends, and a steady pipeline of new places to stay and play.