Seattle, the Emerald City, is a vibrant city where tech meets nature — from the Space Needle and Pike Place Market to Puget Sound vistas and nearby mountains.
In 2024, Seattle & King County welcomed ≈ 40 million visitors, a 5.3% increase from 2023 and about 95% of pre-pandemic (2019) levels.
These visitors spent around $8.8 billion, generating substantial economic impact in the region.
Key stats: Seattle Tourism
- 40 million visitors in 2024 — Seattle and King County bounced back to nearly pre-pandemic levels, marking a strong recovery phase.
- $8.8 billion in direct visitor spending — highlighting the significant economic footprint of tourism in the region.
- $12.3 billion in total economic impact (including indirect effects) — showing how visitor tourism ripples through the broader economy.
- $839 million in state & local taxes generated by tourists in 2024 — offsetting tax burdens for local households.
- 68,089 tourism-related jobs supported — a vital area of employment growth in the region’s hospitality and service sectors.
- In 2023, $8.2 billion was spent by visitors — an important milestone showing tourism’s rebound.
- 1.7 million Canadians visited in 2024, spending ~$584 million — Canada remains a key international market for Seattle.
- Downtown Seattle drew 1.1+ million unique local visitors in 2024 — showing local tourism and foot-traffic recovery alongside inbound travel.
- In summer 2023, about 3.5 million out-of-town visitors explored downtown — reinforcing its role as a major visitor magnet.
How Many Tourists Visit Seattle Each Year?
In 2024, Seattle & King County received about 40 million visitors.
- 2023: ~37.8 million visitors (≈9% increase from 2022)
- 2019 (pre-pandemic): ~41.9 million visitors
- Seattle is approaching full recovery in total visitor numbers.
How Many Tourists Visit Seattle Each Day?
With ~40 million annual visitors, Seattle averages ~110,000 visitors per day.
(This is a rough calculation: 40,000,000 ÷ 365 ≈ 109,600).
During major events, this daily figure spikes significantly.
How Much Do Visitors Spend in Seattle Every Year?
In 2024, visitor spending in Seattle & King County reached ~$8.8 billion.
Additional metrics:
- Total tourism impact (including indirect/induced) ~$12.3 billion.
- State & local tax revenue from visitors ~$839 million.
- Tourism supported ~68,089 jobs in the region.
Which Countries Visit Seattle the Most?
Seattle’s visitor base is predominantly domestic US, with Canada as the top international market (estimated ~1.7 million Canadians in 2024).
Precise full list of top 10 source countries isn’t publicly available in the cited data.
What Are the Most Visited Attractions in Seattle?
Seattle’s top draws include iconic landmarks, waterfront experiences, tech/digital culture, and outdoor nature access.
- Pike Place Market: Nearly 20 million annual visitors (historical estimate)
- Space Needle: Globally recognised skyline tower
- Seattle Center & surrounding attractions
- Waterfront & cruise terminals (Alaska cruise gateway)
- Nearby excursions: Mount Rainier, Puget Sound ferries, nature trails
When Is the Best Time to Visit Seattle?
Tourism in Seattle is strong spring through early fall, with peaks in summer; winter is quieter though still popular.
| Season | Trend | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Spring (Apr–May) | Rising | Blooming gardens, mild weather |
| Summer (Jun–Aug) | Peak | Warmest weather, major events, cruises |
| Autumn (Sep–Oct) | High | Fall foliage, festivals |
| Winter (Nov–Mar) | Lower | Rainier weather, fewer outdoor tourists |
What Are the Biggest Events Attracting Tourists to Seattle?
Seattle hosts a variety of major events that help drive tourism volume.
- FIFA World Cup 2026 (Seattle will host 6 matches) — projected economic impact ~$929 million.
- Convention and trade shows at the Seattle Convention Center
- Cruise season: nearly 2 million passengers expected in 2025 through Seattle.
- Cultural festivals, tech conferences, music events, etc.
How Much Does Seattle Make From Tourism?
Tourism generated ~$8.8 billion in 2024 in direct visitor spending, with a broader impact of ~$12.3 billion.
This economic activity supports tens of thousands of jobs and contributes significantly to local tax revenues.
How Busy Are Hotels in Seattle?
- For 2023: Downtown hotel occupancy ~68.6%, ADR (average daily rate) ~$233.69.
- Night-to-night variances: summer and major-event periods show higher occupancy, winter lower.
Which Neighborhoods in Seattle Are Most Popular With Tourists?
- Downtown Seattle & Waterfront: Museums, Space Needle, Pike Place Market, cruise access
- Capitol Hill & South Lake Union: Trendy dining, tech scene
- Fremont & Ballard: Arts, breweries, maritime feel
- Queen Anne & Magnolia: Residential views, family-friendly stays
- University District: Young travellers, base for day trips
FAQ – Seattle Tourism Insights
How many tourists visit Seattle each year?
About 40 million in 2024 for Seattle & King County.
Which country sends the most visitors to Seattle internationally?
Canada, with estimated ~1.7 million Canadian visitors in 2024.
What is Seattle best known for as a tourist destination?
Iconic landmarks (Space Needle, Pike Place Market), tech and startup culture, natural surroundings, cruises to Alaska.
When is the best time to visit Seattle?
Late spring through summer (April to September) offers best weather and maximum tourist activities.
How much revenue does tourism bring to Seattle?
Direct visitor spending ~$8.8 billion in 2024; total impact ~$12.3 billion.
What is the average hotel occupancy?
Downtown occupancy in 2023: ~68.6%, ADR ~$233.69.
Is tourism fully recovered to pre-pandemic levels?
Visitor levels in 2024 are ~95% of 2019 levels, showing strong recovery.
Sources
- Visit Seattle — Visit Seattle Celebrates 2024 Visitation Growth, Releases New Data
- King5 News — Seattle tourism rebounds with record spending in 2024
- RoadGenius — Seattle Tourism Statistics – How Many Tourists Visit?
- Downtown Seattle Association — Tourism – Downtown Seattle Economic Report
- C-MW / Travel Monitor — Seattle welcomed 40 m visitors in 2024 – just shy of pre-pandemic peak
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