Travel spending reached the $24.4 billion mark in 2018 in the State of Washington – this according to the Washington Tourism Alliance who recently released new tourism economic impact figures for all 39 counties. Data was compiled by Dean Runyan Associates. Whatcom County ranks 5th in the state in terms of visitor spending after King, Pierce, Spokane, and Snohomish Counties.  Visitors spent $705.7*  million in Whatcom County in 2018.

Visitor Spending in Whatcom County:

• Food Service (restaurants and grocery stores
  • $277.3 million
• Retail
  •  $102.1 million
• Air and ground travel
  • $96.0 million
• Accommodations
  • $90.0 million
• Recreation, arts & entertainment
  • $ 72.3 million
• Transportation & gas
  • $67.9 million
• Total    
  • $705.7  million

Tourism in Whatcom County Generates:

• Jobs
  • 6,910
• Payroll
  • $174.9 million
• Local Taxes
  • $17.9 million
• State Taxes
  • $40.1 million

Bellingham Whatcom County Tourism is the official Destination Marketing Organization for Whatcom County, and participates actively with Washington Tourism Alliance. Visitor information is at Bellingham.org.