WHATCOM COUNTY, WA (MyBellinghamNow.com) – Tourism spending saw a modest bump in Whatcom County last year.

That’s according to a new report by Bellingham Whatcom County Tourism, which says nearly 3.5 million people visited the county in 2024. Despite having nearly the same number of visitors as in 2023, the tourists who came last year spent more money.

The data from Tourism Economics shows spending rose by just over 3% in 2024, with retail seeing the most growth of any hospitality industry.

The overall number of jobs supported by tourism only saw a minor increase but still remained above pre-pandemic levels.

Bellingham Whatcom County Tourism CEO Dylan Deane-Boyle says he hopes to see the growth continue this year amid challenges surrounding Canadian travel and rising inflation.

“We are hopeful for continued growth into 2025 as we navigate challenges related to Canadian sentiment, inflation, and higher travel prices,” said Visit Bellingham | Whatcom County CEO Dylan Deane-Boyle.