Annual direct travel spending in Whatcom County rebounded to $688.3M in 2022, up 30.5% from 2021 and surpassing pre-pandemic spending in 2019 ($555M). In an industry that previously grew on average 4.7% per year, 2022’s significant growth reveals the opportunity for even greater recovery in the years ahead.
Recent data released by Tourism Economics shows that the economic impact of direct visitor spending regained momentum in Whatcom County last year, increasing 30.5% from 2021 to 2022 to an annual total of $688.3M. The study, prepared for State of Washington Tourism, tracks visitors to the region, their associated spend in five categories, and industry jobs by sector.
Fig A: Breakdown of direct travel spending in Whatcom County in 2022
Fig B: View of total travel spending by sector across four years revealing continued post-pandemic recovery
While 2022’s $688.3M in spending surpasses the level of spending seen in 2019 ($555M), the increase doesn’t replace losses seen in 2020 and 2021. Yet, the dramatic increase in direct visitor spending between 2021 and 2022 reveals the growth opportunity for this year and future years’ visitor activities.
When direct visitor spending for 2022 is separated into the five industry categories, the recovery rates vary. Whatcom’s transportation sector (including local and air transportation) showed the largest spending increase of 41.3% over 2021 after the pandemic stalled travel and caused a 43% year-over-year decline in 2020. Food and beverage, recreation and attractions, and retail all increased 20-22% from 2021. Accommodations also rebounded, increasing 16.7% over 2021 and surpassing 2019 levels. Spending in all five industry categories surpassed 2019’s pre-pandemic levels, driven by real spending increases as well as inflationary pressure.
“Though inflation certainly played a role in these increases, the rebound throughout the industry is a testament to people’s desire and willingness to travel even during times of economic precarity,” said Bellingham Whatcom County Tourism President & CEO Dylan Deane-Boyle.
While staffing shortages continue to affect the travel and hospitality industry, the 2022 growth rate reveals continued recovery. Total jobs related to the tourism industry in Whatcom County grew 38.8% over 2021 to a total of 7,676 jobs; it’s possible this rise in staffing contributed to some sectors’ overall recovery.
Additional study data shows that the average per-person value of an overnight traveler increased from $73 in 2021 to $85 in 2022, with a per trip impact for one traveler of $317, up from $277 in 2021. Considering the impact for an entire overnight travelling party, the per-day impact was $287, with a total trip value of $1,071.
“These numbers tell a clear story about the essential role of tourism in Bellingham and Whatcom County. Overnight visitor groups to our area inject more than $1,000 per trip into our local economy, supporting local jobs and directly contributing almost $26 million in local tax revenue that helps fund the resources and amenities that make life in Whatcom County so rich,” said Deane-Boyle. “When we attract visitors to our area, we all win—that’s the core of everything we do here at Visit Bellingham and why we’re committed to helping tourism in Whatcom County continue to recover, grow, and thrive.”
More information on efforts to support visitor spending and economic recovery through tourism can be found in Visit Bellingham | Whatcom County’s annual report. You can view the report here.
Visit Bellingham | Whatcom County is an independent, 501 (c)(6) nonprofit economic development organization whose purpose is to improve the economy by marketing Bellingham Whatcom County as a premier, year-round visitor, sports, outdoor recreation, arts and cultural, and meetings destination, which supports all travel, tourism, and hospitality businesses and nonprofits in Whatcom County.
