how many tourists visit seattle each year

Home » Newly Released State Stats Show Washington Tourism Remains Significantly Below Pre-Pandemic Levels

Newly Released State Stats Show Washington Tourism Remains Significantly Below Pre-Pandemic Levels

SEATTLE (May 4, 2022)  – New figures released by State of Washington Tourism (SWT) indicate significant improvement in the state’s visitor volume, expenditures, tax receipts, and employment in 2021 over 2020, but the statistics illustrate that tourism recovery still lags significantly behind 2019 levels

In 2019, immediately preceding the pandemic, visitor volume increased by 2% to a total of 110 million, and their direct spending totaled $21.9 billion, up 4.5% in current dollars over 2018. On average, visitors spent $60 million per day in Washington State in 2019. State and local taxes, generated by this spending, tallied nearly $2.4 billion in 2019, a 5.4% increase. The state’s tourism industry supported nearly 165,000 jobs in 2019, an increase of 2.3% over the previous year, and those jobs generated direct income of $5.7 billion.

The state tourism industry’s current total economic output of $29.5 billion pales in comparison to robust pre-pandemic growth; however, visitor spending increased 4.8% per annum between 2015 and 2019, generating $10.9 billion in direct state GDP in 2019 alone, before the industry’s near total shutdown in 2020 due to COVID-19. Tourism employment saw cumulative growth of 15% in that five-year period

Prior to the pandemic, the leisure and hospitality sector led job growth in the state. Tourism supports 205,000 jobs in Washington State, including both direct and indirectly-related jobs, having increased 8.7% over 2020. Direct jobs numbered 131,000, with 48,807 in the food and beverage sector, followed by 23,557 in recreation, 19,366 in retail, and 22,991 in lodging; some 73,000 were indirectly supported by tourism.

According to  Economic Impacts of Visitors in Washington State , compiled by national travel research firm Tourism Economics on behalf of SWT, the state’s visitor volume last year increased 19.7% over 2020 to 95.3 million – indicating significant growth – but still at just 87% of 2019 levels. Visitor expenditures increased 36.2% to $17.7 billion, just 81% of 2019’s level.

In contrast to those figures, however, state and local tax revenue increased 27.6% to $2.4 billion, offsetting the average state household tax burden by $669 per year. In 2020, the household offset provided by visitors to the state was just $544.

“The Washington State visitor economy experienced a promising rebound in 2021 but still registered nearly 20% below 2019 levels,” said Adam Sacks, president of Tourism Economics. “Full recovery of the Washington travel economy will require concerted policy and marketing initiatives to capitalize on strong, pent-up demand for travel in the US.”

“We’ve seen the tremendous economic potential of tourism juxtaposed with fragility during the pandemic,” said David Blandford, SWT’s executive director. “We must ensure that our tourism industry can sustain itself, first and foremost, in order to fulfill its vital role in restoring our broader state economy.”

Economic Impacts of Visitors in Washington State  compiled survey data from Longwoods International; the Bureau of Economic Analysis and the Bureau of Labor Statistics by industry; STR lodging performance data; tax collections, including lodging tax receipts; US Census business sales by industry and seasonal second homes; and international travel data for overseas, Canadian and Mexican travel to the US, based on aviation, survey and credit card information.

About State of Washington Tourism

State of Washington Tourism (SWT) is a 501(c)(6) organization established by industry stakeholders with the sole mission of developing and sustaining Washington State destination tourism marketing. SWT procures and administers funds for marketing efforts and creates and implements a strategic statewide marketing plan. For more information, visit  www.stateofWAtourism.com .

MEDIA CONTACT

Sienna Spencer Markles

Public Relations, GreenRubino for State of Washington Tourism

E: [email protected]

P: 206-957-4266

Previous Post

Snoqualmie valley selected for rural tourism support program, 2023 state tourism statistics show uneven recovery, opportunity to drive additional revenue, state of washington tourism to administer $3.5m in eda grants for tourism recovery, recipients announced for swt’s tourism sustainability grants.

Visit Seattle says tourism numbers inching toward pre-pandemic levels

by Chris Daniels, KOMO News Senior Reporter

SEATTLE — Seattle saw more visitors in 2023 than at any other time since before the COVID-19 pandemic .

On Wednesday, at an annual gathering of stakeholders, Visit Seattle CEO Tammy Canavan released new preliminary visitation data. It used two companies: Tourism Economics and STR to gather the data.

Canavan said 37.8 million people came to Seattle and King County in 2023 and spent $8.2 billion, generating $787 million in state and local taxes or $859 for each household in King County.

That was an 8.9% increase in visitors over 2022, a 12.8% increase in spending, and a 12.5% increase in tax revenue, according to Visit Seattle.

The total number of visitors came in at 90.2% of 2019 levels.

The hotel occupancy rate was 68.6% in 2023, thanks to events like dual Taylor Swift concerts , the Major League Baseball All-Star Week, and multiple other large concerts . Hotel occupancy was 79.9% in 2019.

Visit Seattle leaders said that challenges remain, including attracting international visitors who may have encountered delays with visas and re-engaging the corporate travel business. Both sectors show signs of not bouncing back when compared with other tourism draws to Seattle.

You are using an outdated browser. Please upgrade your browser to improve your experience and security.

Out-of-town tourists return to downtown in growing numbers

Just three years after the pandemic abruptly halted travel around the world, Seattle has made significant progress getting tourists to return downtown. The success of downtown in attracting out-of-town visitors and generating strong demand for hotels, particularly during the summer months, underscores the city’s status as a premier tourist destination in the Pacific Northwest.

Boasting iconic landmarks such as the Space Needle, Pike Place Market and waterfront, downtown offers a diverse array of attractions and experiences that appeal to travelers from around the world. In 2023, the center city saw post-pandemic highs of out-of-town visitors (i.e., visitors from 100 or more miles away) and a record number of cruise ship passengers traveling through Seattle. In the summer of 2023, downtown also recorded the highest two-day total number of visitors since early 2018.

With the opening of the new Seattle Convention Center Summit building, the number of new conventions secured in 2023 surpassed 2019’s total. Hotel demand continues to rise and is closing in on pre-pandemic levels — even exceeding 2019 demand multiple times in the summer of 2023. Visits to some of downtown’s most-loved attractions have also passed pre-pandemic counts, affirming that tourists are coming back to experience all that downtown has to offer. Additionally, as one of just a few major U.S. cities with all its professional sports teams playing downtown, our sports venues are significant assets that helped increase visitor foot traffic in 2023.

Key Takeaways

• Between Memorial Day and Labor Day 2023, downtown Seattle welcomed nearly 3.5 million unique out-of-town visitors*, a post-pandemic high and an 8% increase compared to 2022.
• Between July and September 2023, downtown hotels sold more room nights than during the same period in 2019.
• In 2023, downtown saw the highest two-day total visitor foot traffic since at least 2018, with nearly 900,000 visits downtown over the July 22-23 weekend.
• Out-of-town visitor foot traffic in 2023 surpassed 2019 levels for many downtown attractions, including the Seattle Aquarium and Space Needle.

In 2023, the Seattle Convention Center brought in 75 new conventions, surpassing 2019’s count by 27%.

The number of unique out-of-town visitors coming downtown during the summer continued to increase, growing to nearly 3.5 million in 2023..

• Downtown saw record daily visitor traffic during summer 2023.
• The weekend of July 22-23 saw the highest two-day visitor foot-traffic counts since at least 2018.
• Visitors from more than 100-plus miles away accounted for nearly 45% of the foot traffic during that record July weekend.
• In 2023, downtown hotels sold nearly 3.9 million hotel room nights. This represented 92% of the room nights sold in 2019 and a 12% increase over 2022.
• June-October 2023 saw a full recovery in hotel room demand with some months even surpassing 2019 numbers.
• Hotel demand for non-summer months has not recovered to 2019 levels due in part to lagging demand from business travelers.

In 2023, Seattle welcomed a record 1.7 million cruise passengers to Seattle.

With the cruise season running from april to october, the port of seattle is estimating another 1.7 million passengers will take 276 sailings in 2024..

*Stadiums include Lumen Field and T-Mobile Park. Climate Pledge Arena, which opened in 2021, was not included in these counts.

• In 2023, visits to the Seattle Aquarium, Space Needle and both Lumen Field and T-Mobile Park surpassed 2019 numbers for visitor foot traffic.
• Downtown’s iconic Pike Place Market welcomed 5.4 million visitors in 2023 — a 13% increase from 2022. While the Market has not yet caught up to pre-pandemic levels, it continues to see an increase in traffic.
• Lumen Field and T-Mobile Park visitors have been rapidly increasing with a combined 8.5 million visits in 2023 — a 25% increase from 2022.
• Climate Pledge Arena, which reopened in 2021, is also indicating an upward trend, with nearly 3 million visitors in 2023 — a 11% increase from 2022.
• Fueled by major concerts and the MLB All-Star game, July 2023 was the biggest month for Lumen Field and T-Mobile Park with 1.5 million visitors — a 56% increase from 2022.

According to the International Trade Administration, the Seattle-Bellevue-Everett area ranked #15 nationally for annual overseas visitation in 2022 (the most current year for which data were available).

Washington state as a whole was ranked #12 with a 243.4% change in annual overseas visitation in 2022., visitors to downtown had an estimated spending potential of $1.2 billion in 2023 — a 8.4% year-over-year increase..

• Corporate & Incentive Travel
• Association Conventions & Facilities
• Insurance & Financial Meetings Management

Seattle Celebrates Tenth Year of Record-Breaking Tourism Season with More Than 41 Million Visitors in 2019

Seattle and King County saw record visitor volume, expenditures, tax contributions and travel-related employment for Seattle and King County in 2019 for the tenth year in a row. The results were released at Visit Seattle’s 2020 Annual Meeting at Benaroya Hall on Feb. 24.

Visit Seattle President and CEO Tom Norwalk and Visit Seattle Board of Directors Chair and General Manager of the Sheraton Grand Seattle Keri Robinson welcomed more than 500 tourism and business professionals to the annual event. The program also included guest speaker Tim Burgess, former Seattle City Councilmember and interim mayor. This year’s keynote conversation took place between Christina Tosi, the two-time James Beard Award-winning chef, owner, founder and CEO of Milk Bar and Brian Canlis of Seattle’s famed Canlis restaurant on Queen Anne. The meeting also included a special musical performance by the Seattle Symphony.

Preliminary 2019 estimates for topline metrics indicate that a total of 41.9 million visitors came to the city and county in 2019, up 2.3 percent from the previous year, according to the Visit Seattle report, which was created in conjunction with its national research firms, Tourism Economics and Longwoods International. Overnight visitors increased 3 percent to 21.9 million.

Those visitors spent $8.1 billion in the city and county in 2019 – an impressive increase of 3.6 percent from the previous year. Visitors paid $837.5 million in state and local taxes in 2019, an increase of 2.4 percent from the previous year.

Tourism related jobs also grew in the city and county in 2019; there were 80,317 travel related jobs (up by 2.4 percent) in Seattle and King County. Final data from the study will be released in early May.

“We are excited by 10 consecutive years of growth in Seattle and King County tourism,” Visit Seattle President and CEO Tom Norwalk said. “However, we know how fragile tourism is as global events directly impact lives and business in Seattle and our region. The scenario changes daily but our industry is always looking forward and investing in tourism marketing for our future. We hope that with Seattle’s compelling infrastructure projects, unique cultural experiences and our incredible natural beauty coupled with the hard work by our partners, civic and city leaders and our dynamic team at Visit Seattle – we will continue to create travel inspiration for visitors.”

Business booked through 2028 is expected to have an economic impact of $798 million with nearly 800,000 total room nights booked.

Website :  VisitSeattle.org

A banner year for tourism in Seattle and King County

Tourism is a big driver of the local economy and keeps growing. Plus notes on Washington's economic rankings and retail outlook.

Share story

Cruise season began last week with the arrival of Norwegian Cruise Line’s Norwegian Sun.

The Port of Seattle projects more than 1.1 million cruise passengers this year, ahead of last year’s record. Alaska is the largest destination for cruise ships. Seattle will be the largest cruise port on the West Coast for the second year in a row.

Cruise passengers make up an important part of the tourism economy here, spending money in town before and after their voyages. But they’re far from the only drivers.

Nearly 40 million visitors came to the city and county last year, according to a recent report from Visit Seattle, the 1,000-member nonprofit tourism marketing organization. That’s up 2.6 percent from the previous year and marks the eighth straight year setting a record. Overnight visitors grew by 3.9 percent to nearly 21 million.

Tourism Economics and Longwoods International estimate that visitors pumped $7.4 billion into the regional economy. Travel and tourism jobs were up 27 percent to more than 76,000 (about 5.6 percent of all employment in King County.

Tom Norwalk, president of Visit Seattle, told me the region also “had incredible growth from international business. And this is despite being underserved by international (air) carriers. We’ve been adding (flights) but there is more we can be doing.”

International visitors tend to spend more and stay longer than their domestic counterparts. To encourage growth in tourism from overseas, Visit Seattle has marketing reps in Asia, Europe and Australia.

The organization benchmarks the tourism sector here against 14 other U.S. cities, getting weekly updates.

With long summer days, numerous attractions and the gateway to the Northwest’s scenic beauty, Seattle is a natural destination for tourists. Leisure demand was once seasonal, but now we’re attracting visitors year-round.

Business travel is an important element, too, both corporate and conventions.

Norwalk is hoping a deal can be completed for expansion of the Washington State Convention Center.

“We’re outperforming other destinations for how we utilize the convention center” he said. “But we need the second building… There’s incredible demand for Seattle as a meeting destination. Groups sign contracts for years out.”

Norwalk is a Seattle native who worked in San Francisco and Vancouver, B.C., before coming home. What keeps Norwalk up at night?

One is concern that Seattle get a handle on aggressive panhandlers, street civility, drug use and street campers. Another is a widespread concern in the tourism industry nationally: The off-putting nationalism of the Trump administration.

“Travel can turn on a dime,” he said. “It can be affected by an economic slowdown, trade policies…. Do we welcome people from around the world? Does the environment in the city seem that it doesn’t appreciate business? What’s the experience like on our streets? Are we keeping Seattle’s distinctiveness, that it’s a non-cookie cutter city?”

Economy Notes:

• The website Visual Capitalist used 27 measurements to rank the best and worst state economies. No. 1 is Washington, followed by California, Utah and Massachusetts. Oregon ranked seventh, Idaho 11 th and Alaska 46 th .

Most Read Business Stories

• Seattle house prices fall as temperatures rise. But buyers are weary
• Bezos to Sell $5 Billion of Amazon as Shares Hit Record High
• Seattle-area home values rebound, but offices take a hit
• Steve Ballmer richer than Bill Gates, a first for Microsoft billionaires
• After steering major deal, Shanahan, CEO of Boeing supplier, could be next Boeing boss

• Washington ranked 15 th among the 50 states and District of Columbia in the Social Capital Index , a project of the Congress’ Joint Economic Committee.

The report says, “Social capital is likely to be ‘greater’ or more productive in families, communities, and organizations with an abundance of close, supportive relationships. Social capital is also likely to be reflected in cooperative activities. Social capital is also reflected in trust in other people, confidence in institutions, mutual generosity, high collective efficacy, and low social disorganization.”

Oregon ranked 13 th , Idaho 16 th   and Alaska 20 th . No. 1 was Utah.

• Marcus & Millichap, the national commercial real-estate brokerage, released a report this week giving Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue high marks despite the national retail headwinds from e-commerce and changing shopping habits.

“A healthy economy is translating into robust performance for retail in Seattle, aided by one of the best job markets in the nation last year,” according to the report. “Strong fundamentals, including vacancies under 3 percent in the city of Seattle and on the Eastside, are outweighing challenges that the sector has been facing recently.

“The flight to safety into well-positioned retail across Seattle remains a driving force of investment activity. High credit single-tenant net-lease properties hold their appeal to a broad pool of investors, including international and institutional capital.”

Maybe. But Chico’s is closing at Pacific Place. The shakeout is far from over.

How many tourists per year does Seattle get?

About 12,000-15,000 visit there per year

Add your answer:

How many tourists does London zoo get per year?

100,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000

How many tourists are there in Antarctica per year?

How many tourists visit skiathos per year.

how many tourist visit skiathos in a year

How many tourists visit Malham per year?

75,000 to 100,000 tourists a year visit Malham and up to 4,000 a day

How many tourists come to malham each year?

Malham receives around 250,000-300,000 tourists per year.

How many tourists does Bulgaria have per year?

1.5 million visitors

How many tourists go to the Inca Trail per year?

About how many tourists visit jamaica per year.

100 million

How many tourists visit Albania per year?

about 300000 tourist

How many tourists visit Maldon per year?

How many tourists visit devon per year.

how many people visit devon each year

How many tourists visit Trafalgar square per year?

almost 15 million international visitors per year.

Top Categories

The 10 Best U.S. Cities to Live in and Visit in 2024

M any factors that make the biggest cities in the United States great places to visit-good weather, world-class museums, and quality restaurants-also make them great cities to live in. Resonance , a consultancy group in real estate, tourism, and economic development, considered these factors as well as user-generated data from social media to create a comprehensive ranking of the best cities in the United States for travelers and residents.

This year, for the ninth annual list, the organization has also partnered with Ipsos for "perception-based data," according to Resonance Consultancy President and CEO Chris Fair. That means "exploring what a city offers versus how it is perceived by the broader population, says Ipsos Executive Vice President, Head of U.S. Corporate Reputation Jason McGrath. "By merging the top-of-mind destinations where people tell us they want to live, work, and visit with the rigorous evaluation of place that Resonance has been conducting for nearly a decade, we have created a more comprehensive evaluation of cities and can better advise destinations on how to strengthen their reputation," he adds.

How the cities are ranked

To determine which cities would be considered for this list, Resonance looked at U.S. cities with populations of more than 500,000. Each city was ranked based on a combination of core statistics and user-generated data from the likes of Tripadvisor and Instagram. Everything comes together for its proprietary Place Power Score.

In previous years, cities were ranked in six categories (People, Place, Product, Programming, Promotion, and Prosperity) but in 2024 they're ordered by three larger pillars: Livability, Lovability, and Prosperity. In addition to Resonance's data, Ipsos surveyed 2,000 adults on these topics, asking three key questions:

Livability: What are the top three towns or cities you would most like to live in?

Lovability: What are the top three towns or cities you would most like to visit?

Prosperity: Which three towns or cities do you think offer the best job opportunities?

These are the best cities in the United States to live in and visit in 2024, according to Resonance and Ipsos.

1. New York City

Highlighted rankings: Livability (1), Prosperity (1)

Why we love it: New York City has (once again) taken the top spot in Resonance's annual rankings. Make no mistake: Being at the top for the past few years is no easy feat. But the Big Apple has proved its staying power with renovated airports, world-class hotels , and museums enticing people to see the city.

Nowadays, there's a lot to explore in NYC's neighborhoods . Museums like the beloved Met and the Louis Armstrong House Museum in Queens have undergone renovations and expansions in recent years alongside the introduction of new destinations like the Bronx Children's Museum, the Museum of Broadway, and the Stonewall National Monument Visitor Center . Meanwhile, Central Park, the High Line, the Little Island -located on the Hudson near the Meatpacking District-and other outdoor spaces entice you to come outside to relax. Midtown Manhattan has also made a comeback with a revamped Tiffany's, new hotels, and the opening of the Museum of Broadway. Getting here is even easier, too. As Resonance notes, Newark Liberty International Airport, LaGuardia Airport, and John F. Kennedy International Airport all have new terminals.

Plan your next trip with Afar's Guide to New York.

2. Chicago, Illinois

Highlighted rankings: Livability (2), Prosperity (3)

Why we love it: There's plenty to celebrate in Chicago. The Resonance report notes its summer of world-class festivals, including Lollapalooza and the free Millennium Park Summer Music Series, as well as the 160 breweries. We love the city's dining scene, with noteworthy restaurants including Venteux, a French brasserie from Michelin-starred chef Donald Young, and Bazaar Meat and Bar Mar under chef José Andrés. Live music has also fully bounced back post-pandemic. Check out the Salt Shed, based in a former factory warehouse, to get your fix.

We wouldn't expect any less from a city that's historically been able to thrive in the midst of adversity. More than 150 years ago, the Great Fire destroyed over 2,000 acres of central Chicago and left nearly 100,000 people without homes. But the city hasn't let disaster define it; instead, it's met obstacles with a resilience you need to see for yourself .

"Chicago sees itself, since the fire, as a city able to withstand whatever," Shermann Dilla Thomas, a historian and lifelong resident who offers guided Chicago tours, told Afar . "It also makes us a city that doesn't believe in small plans. After you get a blank canvas, the sky's the limit."

Plan your next trip with Afar's Guide to Chicago.

3. Los Angeles, California

Highlighted rankings: Prosperity (2), Lovability (3)

Why we love it: While Hollywood's prowess is the most commonly associated aspect of Los Angeles, the city's restaurant scene in all its richness and diversity is just as intertwined with L.A.'s identity. Vanguards like La Cha Cha Chá, Alma, and even LA Plaza Cocina (a museum and teaching kitchen that honors Mexico's culinary heritage) offer outstanding dining experiences. Museums rank no. 2 only behind NYC, with the Broad, the Grand, and the Academy Museum of Motion Pictures all well worth a visit.

Big events are heading this way, too. The city will host some 2026 FIFA World Cup games, the NBA All-Star Game that same year, and the Olympic Games in Summer 2028.

Plan your next trip with Afar's Guide to Los Angeles.

4. Miami, Florida

Highlighted rankings: Livability (3), Prosperity (11)

Why we love it: Miami has historically been a meeting point for the Americas, making it a no-brainer that it ranked high on the list. But in this city, diversity goes beyond nationality; the city's allure for the LGBTQ community and ex–Silicon Valley techies gives it a sense of welcome that many people are embracing.

In 2023 Miami moved into the top 10 for the first time, and this year it jumps from sixth to fourth. While it could rest on its open-minded reputation and beachside location to draw people, the city is also putting in the work to stay relevant. A new Waldorf Astoria Hotel is set to open in 2027, the most prominent construction amid a raft of new development.

Plan your next trip with Afar's Guide to Miami.

5. Las Vegas

Highlighted rankings: Livability (7), Prosperity (16)

Why we love it: Vegas-a new entry in the top 10-was ranked the second-most lovable city in America, so perhaps it's not surprising it was visited by almost 41 million people in 2023. What happens here might stay here, but its reputation precedes it.

Those visitors have even more options for accommodation and entertainment than ever before, including the $4.3 billion Resorts World Las Vegas (comprising three hotels) and the hotly anticipated Fontainebleau, which is "the largest residential/hotel structure on the strip," according to Resonance, and boasts a casual 36 restaurants. Oh yeah, and then there's The Sphere . And, from 2028, there will be a high-speed train to Vegas from Rancho Cucamonga in the Los Angeles area.

Plan your next trip with Afar's Guide to Las Vegas .

6. San Francisco, California

Highlighted rankings: Livability (4), Prosperity (6)

Why we love it: San Francisco has long drawn people and companies alike-Afar included-to the West Coast. Thanks to the Bay Area's world-renowned universities like Stanford and UC Berkeley, San Francisco has one of the most educated and prosperous populations. While the city's lack of affordable housing cannot be ignored, the migration of big companies to lower-taxed havens like Texas and Florida has produced a silver lining in lower house prices and rents .

As Resonance points out, "The city is rolling out the most daring bike and pedestrian infrastructure in America and unlocking the public space potential of places like the Presidio (featuring the new Presidio Tunnel Tops , a 14-acre park built over the Presidio Parkway highway tunnels)."

Plan your next trip with Afar's Guide to San Francisco.

7. Boston, Massachusetts

Highlighted rankings: Prosperity (7), Lovability (9)

Why we love it: Boston is home to more than 75 institutions of higher learning-including Harvard and MIT-giving it the top spot in the University category and a high ranking in the Educational attainment category. But it's not only students who come to Boston. As the oldest large city in America, it draws millions of tourists each year to see historical landmarks along the Freedom Trail , including the USS Constitution and the King's Chapel .

The old city is getting some upgrades, including a 5,000-room increase in the next six years across planned hotels like the 1,055-room Omni Boston Hotel and the Raffles Boston Back Bay Hotel. Things are also cooking in the entertainment realm, with Live Nation's construction of MGM Music Hall at Fenway. This 5,000-seat concert hall, which opened in August 2022, extends the legendary ballpark to accommodate four new levels of event space.

Plan your next trip with Afar's Guide to Boston.

8. Washington, D.C.

Highlighted rankings: Prosperity (9), Lovability (10)

Why we love it: Unsurprisingly, the nation's capital scores well for its many free museums, including the National Museum of African American History and Culture and other Smithsonian institutions like the National Air and Space Museum. In addition to all of its exhibitions are many neighborhoods worth exploring -Brookland, NoMa, Shaw, and the LGBTQ-friendly Logan Circle, to name a few-that show the city isn't relying on its history to attract locals and visitors.

What makes D.C. a city worth visiting now is new developments-$9.6 billion of them, says Elliott Ferguson, president and CEO of Destination DC. "The city has added new hotels, museums, rooftops, Michelin-rated dining, and more for travelers to explore."

Plan your next trip with Afar's Guide to Washington, D.C.

9. Seattle, Washington

Highlighted rankings: Livability (5), Prosperity (13)

Why we love it: Off in the far-most corner of the Pacific Northwest, the pine-scented idyll of Seattle is one of the country's best-kept secrets, with a high quality of life that comes from continued investment from big tech and (literally) greener pastures.

That commitment to sustainability makes it a big draw for tastemakers and creatives in various fields, many of whom spoke to Afar for our Great American Cities feature on Seattle .

Wondering what you'll get when you arrive? Top-notch boating and hiking, food and drinks, theater and music, and-from next year-a fully opened walkable, bikable waterfront.

Plan your next trip with Afar's Guide to Seattle.

10. Houston, Texas

Highlighted rankings: Prosperity (5), Lovability (14)

Why we love it: "Austin may get the attention, but the promise of the Lone Star State drawing Californians and New Yorkers is quietly being fulfilled in Houston," says Resonance. "In the past year, the metro population swelled above 7 million for the first time ever, and the city today is one of America's most ethnically diverse, with more than 145 languages spoken at home."

It's easy to see why it's so popular. For starters, the food is some of the best in the Lone Star state . Then there are the festivals, including film fests and Juneteenth bashes, and starting next year, the city will be home to the first Ismaili Center in the United States, a space "designed to embody a spirit of openness and dialogue."

Plan your next trip with Afar's Guide to Houston.

To see the full list of the 100 best cities in the United States, visit Worldsbestcities.com.

This article was originally published in 2020 and was updated in June 2024 to reflect new rankings.

You are using an outdated browser. Please upgrade your browser to improve your experience.

Find Posts By Topic

• Arts and Culture
• City Administration
• Citywide Strategy
• Environment and Sustainability
• Economic Development
• Education and Youth
• Housing and Homelessness
• Public Health
• Public Safety
• Racial Equity and Social Justice
• Transportation and Development

Mayor Harrell Advances Legislation Establishing Shore Power Agreement with Port of Seattle for Pier 66 

Seattle to become one of the first cruise ports in the nation to offer shore power at every berth, significantly reducing port-related air emissions in the Northwest. 

Seattle— Mayor Harrell has advanced legislation authorizing Seattle City Light (City Light) to enter into a two-year agreement (MOA) with the Port of Seattle (“the Port”) to construct and provide shore power to Pier 66. The shore power will allow cruise ships to plug into the local electrical grid and turn off their diesel-powered engines while at berth. Nearly 25 percent of total cruise ship emissions in the Puget Sound airshed occur while at berth. On average, shore power would enable each connected ship to reduce their diesel emissions by 80 percent and CO2 emissions by 66 percent respectively while at berth. This legislation will be considered by Seattle City Council today.  

“Through this advancement in shore power, we are supporting cleaner air, maritime electrification, and a greener tourism industry,”  said Mayor Harrell.  “This agreement furthers the City and Port’s shared mission to drive climate action and stay at the cutting edge of maritime innovation. I am proud of the Port and the City for setting the standard for sustainable port operations that move us towards a zero-emissions future.” 

Through this MOA and the electrification of Pier 66, Seattle would become one of the first cruise ports in the nation with multiple berths to make shore power available at every berth. Power will be provided from an existing City Light electrical power vault, submersible cable from Terminal 46 to Pier 66, and other infrastructure development. The construction agreement is supported by a $44M infrastructure investment from the Port, and $3.5M investment from the City’s Maritime Transportation Electrification Program (MARTEP), improving City Light’s distribution system including ductbank capacity to serve Washington State Ferries, King County Marine Division, Kitsap Transit, and the Port of Seattle. If approved by Seattle City Council, the MOA also authorizes the city to execute a thirty-year Operations Agreement between City Light and the Port of Seattle.  

“The Port of Seattle’s partnership with Seattle City Light and the City of Seattle to add shore power to the Bell Harbor Cruise Terminal at Pier 66 is critical to achieving the Port’s goals of a zero-carbon future,”  said Port of Seattle Commissioner Fred Felleman.  “Once online this cruise season, shore power at Pier 66 will enable cruise ships to switch from using their engines to City Light’s low carbon electricity – reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 4,500 metric tons per year. This along with the Port of Seattle Commission’s recent order to mandate shore power use by all home ported vessels in 2027 will allow us to continue to balance the economic benefits of tourism to the region, while protecting the environment around us.” 

The Pier 66 Shore Power Project is the latest in a series of electrification efforts by the City and the Port to create the greenest port in North America by phasing out seaport-related emissions by 2050. Electrification of Pier 66 required the installation of a one-mile submarine cable under  Elliott Bay from Terminal 46 to the Bell Street Cruise Terminal at Pier 66 in January 2024 . The completion of the Pier 66 project is a significant milestone, achieving the  Northwest Ports Clean Air Strategy   goal of electrifying all Seattle cruise berths six years ahead of schedule, originally set for 2030. Further, the Pier 66 Shore Power project and MOA advance the  Seattle Waterfront Clean Energy Strategy —a joint effort between the Port, City Light and Northwest Seaport Alliance (NWSA) to eliminate emissions from Seattle’s waterfront and transition the local maritime industry from fossil fuels to clean, reliable energy.  

What People Are Saying   

Dawn Lindell, Seattle City Light General Manager and CEO  

“We’re proud to partner with the Port of Seattle in making shore power connections a reality for Seattle’s bustling cruise industry,” said Dawn Lindell, Seattle City Light General Manager and CEO. “Electrifying Pier 66 delivers on City Light’s strategic vision to create a clean energy future for the region. By connecting ships into our clean, carbon neutral power, we are reducing harmful emissions from diesel engines and improving air quality for the people who visit, work and live in Seattle.”  

Councilmember Tanya Woo,  Chair of the  Council ’s  Sustainability, City Light, Arts & Culture Committee  

“Reducing greenhouse gas emissions and improving air quality are critical actions in our fight against climate change. I commend Seattle City Light and the Port of Seattle for their collaborative effort on this ambitious project. Bringing shore power connections to the cruise ships at Pier 66 will have a lasting impact on our region and greatly contribute to the City’s comprehensive transportation electrification strategy.”  

Rich Austin Jr., President, ILWU Local 19  

“Shore power is the future, and we commend the City of Seattle and Port of Seattle for leading the nation i n   eliminating  seaport emissions.  This effort is a significant step in the right direction in improving the health and safety of our many maritime workers .   Cleaner air means healthier working conditions and a better quality of life for everyone in our community   who work, shop, and visit the waterfront. ”  

Browse the Archive

• Share this page via link

About Visit Seattle

Visit seattle is a private, non-profit destination marketing organization (dmo) serving seattle and king county. we exist to champion the region as a world-class destination for travel and tourism and promote the economic power of travel. our culture is guided by core values that elevate our industry and advance our purpose with integrity., a wide welcome.

Visit Seattle is a place where everyone is welcome and encouraged to be their authentic selves. We aspire to be as diverse as the city we represent and to honor the unique perspectives of the communities we serve, intertwining them in everything we do. Kindness, respect, and accountability serve as guiding principles for our team at every level. Here, your voice will be heard and opinions respected as we move toward a more inclusive world together.

Our culture is guided by core values that elevate our industry and advance our purpose with integrity:

• Inclusion: We value a safe environment where diversity and lived experiences are embraced, authentic vulnerability is encouraged, and active empathy is practiced.
• Impact: We value the idea of building a legacy that starts today, by committing to being mindful, helpful, and dedicated to a positive ripple effect that we create.
• Commitment: We value a community where growing, celebrating and embracing each other for a greater future is encouraged, and an appreciation for sacrifice, grit, integrity, and the passion for conquering the unknown is well recognized.
• Excellence: We value having pride and passion in the work that we do by committing to always giving it our all and celebrating success in both the big and small tasks.

Annual Report

As a private, nonprofit marketing organization, Visit Seattle’s funding is derived from many sources, including hotel occupancy tax revenue from Seattle-King County visitors, Visit Seattle’s robust membership program, its marketing programs, government contracts for service and miscellaneous revenue.

As a membership-based organization, Visit Seattle connects more than 750 local businesses, their products and services with the lucrative visitor market. The Visit Seattle Membership team also hosts four signature events, as well as orientations and networking opportunities throughout the year.

Visit the Membership area of this website to learn more about becoming a Visit Seattle member.

Strategic Partnerships

We currently engage in strategic partnerships with the following entities:

• City of Seattle
• Greater Seattle Business Association
• King County
• Port of Seattle
• Seattle Office of Arts & Culture

Seattle Tourism Improvement Area

• Visit Seattle Member Organizations
• Washington State Convention Center
• Washington Tourism Alliance

Industry Affiliations

• American Society of Association Executives & the Center for Leadership
• Association Forum
• Cultural & Heritage Tourism Alliance
• Destination Marketing Association International
• Hospitality Sales and Marketing Association International
• IGLTA (International LGBTQ+ Travel Association)
• Meeting Professionals International
• National Tour Association
• Professional Convention Management Association
• Society of American Travel Writers
• Student & Youth Travel Association
• U.S. Travel Association

The Seattle Tourism Improvement Area (STIA) is a Business Improvement Area (BIA) formed in 2011, in accordance with Washington state law to establish a new leisure tourism marketing fund for Seattle that enables Seattle hoteliers to compete and grow their market share. The STIA is overseen by a ratepayer advisory board and its day to day activities are managed by Visit Seattle.

LEARN MORE >>

Seattle is Built on Native Land

We acknowledge that we live and work on the unceded, traditional territories of the Coast Salish peoples, whose ancestors have lived here and cared for these lands and waters since time immemorial. This acknowledgement does not take the place of authentic relationships with Indigenous communities, but serves as a first step in honoring the land we are on. These communities are still here, and many indigenous people are strong and thriving. We honor the people past and present who belong to this place.

Visit Seattle | 701 Pike Street; Suite 800 | Seattle, Washington 98101 | p. 206.461.5800 General inquiries and visitor information: [email protected]

SUBSCRIBE TO THE SEATTLE LOCALIST

Seattle’s best every month in your inbox.

• OPT-IN: By clicking the "Subscribe" button, I agree to receive emails from Visit Seattle and that I have read and agree to the Visit Seattle Privacy Policy .
• Email This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.

Book Your Trip

Partner Advertisements