Whatcom County Tourism Statistics

Download Bellingham Whatcom County Tourism’s 2007 Annual Report.

Visitors spend $453.7 million annually in Whatcom County (2007 figures). The county ranks fifth in visitor spending of the state’s 39 counties.

Tourist spending directly creates 6,560 jobs in Whatcom County. This equals 6% of the total work force.

The average hourly wage for Washington tourism industry employees is more than $14 per hour.

Research conducted for the Washington Department of Community, Trade and Economic Development documents that for every two jobs in the tourism sector, one job is supported or created in the sectors of insurance, professional services like accountants, construction, real estate, wholesale goods, etc. These support industry jobs pay an average of $40,000 per year (2002 study).

In 2006, for every dollar invested in Bellingham Whatcom County Tourism, $11.46 in new visitor spending and media exposure was created through the activities of the organization. This includes new conferences attracted to town, services to extend visitor stays, marketing, publicity generated, etc. Each year, research is showing that this dollar conversion number is steadily increasing. In 2007, the total amount generated was nearly $8 million in new visitor spending and media exposure.

Overnight visitors generate $30 million in local and state sales taxes. Overnight visitors also generate $6.5 million in city and county taxes!

According to independent research conducted for Bellingham Whatcom County Tourism, about 72% of the visitors to Whatcom County reside within 200 miles, have a median household income exceeding $60,000, and the average age is 47 years. More than half of the households have no children at home (March 2002).

About 2/3 of the visitors to Whatcom County stay at least one night. Average length of stay is 3.9 nights.

Travelers staying in commercial lodging establishments spend an average of $293.50 per day per party.

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