Seattle-Tacoma Hospitality Market Report

Event planning proving a major stabilizing force. A record 52.6 million passengers traveled through Seattle-Tacoma International Airport in 2024, with the metro’s primary convention center reporting a more than 40 percent increase in reservations during last year’s third quarter. These dynamics supported a 310-basis-point rise in overall occupancy. In 2025, geopolitical headwinds will temper booking expectations; however, hospitality demand will still reach a post-pandemic high, missing 2019’s record levels by a mere 1 percent. Activity at the Port of Seattle will play a role in this trend, as 300 cruise ship calls are lined up for 2025. A plethora of sporting events and festivals, including the FIFA Club World Cup, will also aid international tourism. In-state visitorship to the metro, meanwhile, should receive a boost from a recently completed light rail expansion that created a direct avenue for visitors from Snohomish County. Many of these travelers may be drawn to budget-friendly options amid a potentially inflationary period, which should support more pronounced revenue growth across economy hotels.