Whatcom County Travel Impacts
The latest county-specific travel impact figures available are for 2009.
- In 2009, the direct county-wide traveler spending reached $435.5 million – Whatcom County ranks 5th in the state in terms of visitor spending revenues.
- The Bellingham-Whatcom County Visitor Industry generated 6,340 jobs in 2009. Travel/tourism related jobs now account for nearly 6% of all local employment.
- Visitors to Whatcom County contributed $7.2 million in local (city and county) taxes in 2009. They also generated $25.7 million in state tax receipts during the same time period.
- Overnight visitors who stay in commercial lodging properties spend an average of $352 per day; those who stay with friends, relatives or in second homes spend an average of $130 per day.
Washington State Travel Impacts
The latest state-wide travel impact figures available are for 2009.
- Travel spending throughout Washington State was $14.2 billion in 2009.
- The travel industry generated 147,600 jobs with earnings of $4.2 billion in 2009.
- Travel spending accounted for almost $1 billion in local and state revenue in 2009. Travel spending generated an additional $776 million in federal tax receipts in 2009.
- Total lodging tax collections in Washington State were $116 million in 2009.
- Visitors who stayed overnight in commercial lodging (hotels, motels, resorts and B&B’s) spent $6 billion in 2009. This represents approximately one-half of all visitor spending.
- Beyond generating tax revenue and employment opportunities, the travel industry serves a unique role in the state’s economy. Working proprietors represent one out of eight people in the travel industry. Women hold an average of 52 percent of the jobs in the travel industry.
- Travel and tourism is one of the most important “export-oriented” industries in Washington. Spending by visitors generates sales in lodging, food services, transportation and retain businesses – the “travel industry.” These sales support jobs for Washington residents and contribute tax revenues to local and state governments.