Tourism boom a boon for the city
Spokane County visitors spent $1.53 billion in 2024, representing a 2% increase from 2023
SPOKANE
Last year, visitors to Spokane County spent over $1.5 billion, according to a recent report from Visit Spokane. The report reveals that visitor numbers increased by 2.4% in 2024, exceeding 10 million for the first time. In total, Spokane County visitors spent $1.53 billion in 2024, which represents a 2% increase from the previous year. Here is how that spending was allocated, as reported by Visit Spokane: Food & Beverage: $429 million, Lodging: $376 million, Retail: $328 million, Transport: $262 million, Recreation/Entertainment: $133 million.
According to Visit Spokane, 10.1 million people visited Spokane County last year. In total, Spokane County tourism in 2024 accounted for a total economic impact of $2.4 billion for Spokane County.
Here are the impacts of Spokane County tourism in 2024 related to the economy: $1.53 billion in visitor spending, $658 million in personal income: The total income generated by tourism is equivalent to $3,050 per household in Spokane County, 18,000 total jobs: The visitor economy sustained jobs, including indirect and induced benefits, accounting for 1 in 19 jobs in Spokane County, $233 million in state & local taxes: An increase of 2.6% over the prior year, meaning each household in Spokane would need to be taxed an additional $1,080 to replace the visitor-generated taxes received by state and local government in 2024.
“This surge not only underscores the undeniable allure of our community but also proves the power of tourism and its impact on our local economy,” Visit Spokane President & CEO Rose Noble said. “Tourism sustains our local businesses and provides thousands of jobs. We are excited to welcome even more guests to experience the beauty and hospitality of our region.”
The economic impact of this tourism is significant, generating $400 million in indirect sales and $440 million in induced sales, resulting in a total economic impact of $2.4 billion for Spokane County in 2024. This includes $658 million in personal income, equivalent to $3,050 per household in Spokane County, and supports 18,000 jobs, accounting for 1 in 19 jobs in the county. Furthermore, tourism generated $233 million in state and local taxes in 2024, an increase of 2.6% over the prior year. This means each household in Spokane would need to be taxed an additional $1,080 to replace the visitor-generated taxes.
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