Seattle's tourism industry is set to experience significant growth in 2024, with 2.4 million international visitors expected to contribute to the city's economy and cultural vibrancy. This surge in tourism is largely driven by a strong influx of travelers from key countries such as the United Kingdom, South Korea, Germany, Japan, Australia, France, and Taiwan. These nations are seeing a rising number of visitors to Seattle, drawn by the city's unique blend of natural beauty, innovative tech scene, and rich cultural offerings. With travel trends shifting and international connections growing, Seattle is becoming an increasingly popular destination for global travelers, offering everything from iconic landmarks like the Space Needle to thriving neighborhoods and diverse cultural events.

Seattle experienced a significant influx of 2.4 million international visitors in 2024, based on newly released data from Tourism Economics. The city's dynamic culture, stunning landscapes, and strong global ties continue to draw travelers from around the world, with the international visitor mix becoming increasingly diverse amidst a complex global travel environment.

Canada remained the dominant international market for Seattle, sending 1.7 million visitors in 2024, which made up 73.3% of the city's total international visitation. China ranked second with 106,200 visitors, while India made a notable leap into the top three with 74,700 visitors, up from sixth place in 2019. Other prominent international markets included the United Kingdom, South Korea, Germany, Japan, Australia, France, and Taiwan.

Visitor spending in Seattle reached an all-time high of $8.8 billion in 2024, marking a 7.2% increase compared to 2023 and 8.3% above pre-pandemic levels in 2019. Domestic visitors contributed $7.8 billion (89% of total spending), while international visitors spent $970 million (11% of total spending).

Canada was the largest contributor to international spending, with $585.6 million, followed by China with $75.3 million and India at $46.9 million, demonstrating the growing significance of India in Seattle's tourism economy. Ukraine also made an impressive entry into the top 10 spenders, with $10.2 million, a leap of 10 places since 2019.

The profile of Seattle's international visitors reflects shifting global trends. The surge in both visitor numbers and spending from India underscores Seattle's increasing importance as a destination for South Asian travelers. Meanwhile, changes in the rankings of countries such as Germany and France, coupled with moderate shifts from South Korea and Japan, point to evolving travel behaviors influenced by factors like costs and accessibility. These trends present valuable opportunities to enhance Seattle's global connections and further develop relationships with key international markets.

Despite these positive trends, Seattle faces challenges in international travel. According to a recent forecast by Tourism Economics, international overnight visits to the city are expected to drop by 26.9% in 2025, the largest decline among major U.S. cities. This decline is primarily driven by a reduction in Canadian visitors. Factors like stricter visa requirements and new interview protocols are expected to influence travel patterns going forward. However, Washington State is projected to experience a more moderate 20% decline in Canadian visitor spending, equating to approximately $10 less per capita. This suggests that Washington is faring better than other northern-border states and is less severely impacted by the downturn in Canadian travel.

"Seattle's global appeal continues to grow and evolve, even as the tourism industry navigates ongoing challenges," said Tammy Canavan, President and CEO of Visit Seattle. "We're encouraged by the strong visitor engagement we saw in 2024, which reflects the dedication of our tourism and hospitality partners. International visitors remain a vital part of our visitor economy, and we look forward to welcoming them in greater numbers in the coming years."

Seattle's tourism is set to thrive in 2024, with 2.4 million international visitors expected. Growth is being driven by travelers from the United Kingdom, South Korea, Germany, Japan, Australia, France, and Taiwan, drawn to the city's mix of natural beauty, innovation, and culture. These nations are leading the surge, solidifying Seattle as a top global destination.

Looking toward the future, Seattle is poised to become a major hub for both domestic and international travelers in 2026 and beyond. The city is strengthening its global connections, with new direct flights from Copenhagen through Scandinavian Airlines, the return of Cathay Pacific's service from Hong Kong, and expanded routes to key destinations such as Tokyo, Seoul, London, and Rome. By 2026, Seattle-Tacoma International Airport is expected to handle over 60 international routes. As part of its strategic focus, the city will leverage these flight expansions alongside the excitement surrounding the FIFA World Cup™, where Seattle and the state of Washington are anticipated to host up to 750,000 attendees for matches, Fan Fest events, and other activities. These efforts will foster international partnerships, enhance the visitor experience, and promote sustainable and inclusive tourism, highlighting Seattle's stunning outdoor activities, diverse culinary scene, ease of exploration, and dynamic arts and cultural offerings.

United Kingdom, South Korea, Germany, Japan, Australia, France, and Taiwan Drive Growth in Seattle's 2024 Tourism, Which Sees 2.4 Million International Visitors - Travel And Tour World