Tourism is an essential part of any city’s economy, and Seattle is no exception. Seattle, with its iconic landmarks such as the Space Needle and Pike Place Market, has been a popular tourist destination for years.
However, with the pandemic impacting the travel industry worldwide, many are wondering if tourism in Seattle has taken a hit. In this article, we will explore whether or not tourism is down in Seattle.
Pre-Pandemic Tourism in Seattle
Before delving into the current state of tourism in Seattle, it’s crucial to understand what the city’s tourism industry looked like before the pandemic. According to Visit Seattle, the city’s official destination marketing organization, Seattle welcomed 40.9 million visitors in 2019. This number had been steadily increasing over the years and was expected to continue to grow.
The Impact of COVID-19
The pandemic hit the travel industry hard, with many countries closing their borders and imposing travel restrictions. The United States was no exception. With cases of COVID-19 on the rise across the country, many people canceled their travel plans altogether.
Seattle was one of the first cities in the country to report cases of COVID-19 and subsequently became one of the first hotspots for the virus. The news didn’t bode well for tourism in Seattle as many people decided not to visit out of fear of contracting COVID-19.
The Numbers
According to Visit Seattle’s latest report on visitor volume from August 2021, visitor volume is down by 24% compared to pre-pandemic levels (August 2019). This decrease represents a loss of approximately $4 billion in visitor spending for 2020 alone. While these numbers are undoubtedly concerning for those who rely on tourism dollars, it’s worth noting that they could have been much worse considering how hard-hit Seattle was by COVID-19.
The Road to Recovery
Seattle’s tourism industry is slowly but surely recovering. As more people get vaccinated and restrictions ease, more and more people are traveling again. Visit Seattle has launched a campaign called “Seattle Rediscovered” to encourage people to visit the city and support local businesses.
What You Can Do
If you’re thinking of visiting Seattle, there are several things you can do to support the city’s tourism industry. First and foremost, make sure you’re following safety guidelines and getting vaccinated if possible.
Additionally, consider staying in a locally-owned hotel or vacation rental rather than a chain hotel. Finally, make an effort to shop at local businesses and eat at locally-owned restaurants.
Conclusion
In conclusion, while tourism in Seattle has taken a hit due to the pandemic, the city is slowly but surely recovering. With more people traveling again and initiatives such as “Seattle Rediscovered,” there is hope for the future of Seattle’s tourism industry. By following safety guidelines and supporting local businesses, we can all do our part in helping Seattle recover from the impact of COVID-19.