As we look back on the past year, it's clear that Spokane's tourism scene is undergoing a comeback. Despite the lingering challenges of the pandemic, 2023 proved to be a year of substantial strides and opportunities for our beloved hospitality sector.

As we look ahead, Spokane finds itself on the path of continued success, fueled by our trademark determination and collaborative spirit. The city is tracking past pre-pandemic levels of convention tourism activity by 10% when the national average is still down 9.1%.

Throughout 2023, the region's tourism landscape built on the momentum of previous years. While the shadow of COVID-19 lingered, our community saw tourism growth, reaffirming its appeal as a destination of choice. Visitors flocked to Spokane for conventions and leisure to experience its vibrant cultural scene, stunning natural beauty, and diverse attractions, injecting vitality into the local economy and revitalizing businesses across the region.

Central to Spokane's tourism growth is the return of citywide conferences and events, which catalyzed economic activity and community engagement. Notable gatherings like the Christian Missionary Alliance annual meeting and the American Indian Science & Engineering Society national convention brought thousands of attendees to the city, generating $7.5 million in economic impact and showcasing Spokane's hospitality on a national stage.

These events filled hotel rooms and restaurant tables and served as a reminder of tourism's pivotal role in fueling livelihoods and fostering prosperity for all.

Visitors spent a staggering $1.4 billion in Spokane during 2022, finally surpassing the 2019 spending total of $1.3 billion, according to statistics from Tourism Economics. This influx of spending generated $616 million in labor income for tourism employees and supported more than 17,000 jobs in the community. Additionally, tourism contributed $219 million in state and local taxes, further boosting the region's economic vitality. Visitor spending provided $1,045 in tax relief to Spokane County households.

Beyond these figures, tourism brings intangible benefits to the Spokane region, fostering the exchange of cultures, ideas, and enjoyment.

Behind the scenes in 2023, Visit Spokane played a pivotal role in orchestrating the city's tourism renaissance. With strategic marketing maneuvers and clever tourism campaigns, it transformed Spokane into a magnet for travelers and media alike.

Our city basked in the limelight of national media like the Today Show, Meetings & Conventions, National Geographic, Insider.com, and Wine Enthusiast, solidifying our status as a premier destination for travelers seeking authentic experiences.

In addition, Visit Spokane's sales team contracted 70,235 hotel room nights this past year, surpassing the 63,675 booked in 2019. In 2024, the number of citywide conventions is 10, equal to 2023. One of those events is the National Council on Teachers of English, generating an economic impact of $3.6 million, with 2,500 attendees and 4,706 room nights contracted. The total number of 2024 convention events recruited by Visit Spokane so far is 60. In 2023, there were 53. The total number of attendees attached to those conventions is 35,933.

So, as we bid adieu to 2023 and embrace the possibilities of the year ahead, let us celebrate the resilience and tenacity of our tourism industry. The future is bright and filled with promise and prosperity.

In 2024, we look forward to the celebration of the 50th anniversary of Expo ’74—an event that changed the face of Spokane. Expo ’74 sparked the notion that tourism could be a viable economic driver for Spokane County. Since that time, Visit Spokane remains committed to promoting the region as a leading, sustainable, and inclusive travel destination where visitors and residents coexist harmoniously.

Rose Noble is the president and CEO of Visit Spokane.