Travel Powers Washington State
Seattle is an international city, and even the British media are catching on. A delegation of Washington State civic, tourism and political leaders are visiting the United Kingdom to remind travel planners and tourism promotion groups that Seattle is the Green Gateway for international trade and tourism in the Pacific Northwest.
Take a look at this recent article posted in
Breakingtravelnews.com about what Seattle and the region have to offer to the U.K. traveler.
The Port of Seattle promotes international tourism to Seattle and Washington state because tourism contributes to the region’s economic vitality, one of the port’s key strategies. In 2010, tourists visiting Washington spent $15.2 billion, generating $1 billion in state tax revenues, creating 144,000 direct jobs, according to the U.S. Travel Association.
The port’s International Tourism program’s goal is to promote our city, state and region as an international tourism destination, and to enhance community commitment to this effort. The port’s long-standing partner in this effort is Seattle’s Convention and Visitors Bureau. A founding member of the Washington Tourism Alliance, the port also works closely with private-sector companies and attractions, including Argosy Cruises, Clipper Vacations, The Space Needle, hotels, restaurants and many other attractions in Seattle and around the state.
Tourism Matters
The first full week of May is annually recognized as National Travel and Tourism Week. Its purpose is to champion the power of travel. As one of America’s largest industries, travel and tourism generated $1.9 trillion in economic output nationally last year.
Tourism matters to Seattle's, King County’s and the state’s economic prosperity as well. In Washington State alone, travel spending was $16.4 billion in 2011, generating almost $1 billion in local and state tax revenues, and supporting 150,900 jobs, with earnings/payroll of $4.5 million.
By Air and By Sea
Seattle-Tacoma International Airport, with 33.2 million passengers in 2012, is served by 13 international airlines serving 16 non-stop international destinations with an average of 44 international daily departures. Seattle is also the cruise gateway to Alaska featuring seven cruise lines offering 187 cruise ship visits and nearly 853,000 passengers.
Why Seattle
Seattle offers a vibrant urban center surrounded by snow-capped mountains and sparkling waterways. Situated on the edge of Puget Sound, Seattle is the natural jumping off point for visitors’ Northwest getaway. The region offers numerous attractions, a rich musical heritage, coffee culture and world class cuisine. And, Washington has more than 800 award winning wineries, stunning natural scenery and abundant wildlife.
Seattle is a year-round destination offering a wide range of activities no matter what the weather brings, although from May to October Seattle enjoys a mild climate. Despite being known as a rainy city, Seattle gets less rain than New York or Miami. So grab your kayak or your snowboard, there is always something to do – rain or shine!
Sound Investment:
Seattle Magazine recently had a special issue noting the "Emerald City has it all - tech savvy, natural beauty and a smart, creative workforce."
Read the article here.