The #1 Reason International Tourists Visit WA Will Shock You

Last year, over 25 million people from all over the world came to Washington State for a visit, and it wasn't just to see the Space Needle either, ha!

THE TOP REASONS PEOPLE LIKE TO VISIT WASHINGTON STATE

Canva

There are quite a few reasons that international visitors want to visit Washington state. Our state is known for its amazing natural beauty, historical landmarks including volcanoes, the Oregon Trail, and ice caves.

Washington has some of the best wines regions in the country, including one in the Yakima Valley that was just voted as the #1 wine country region in America.

We also are lucky enough to have some stunning sightseeing opportunities, ranging from orca whale sightings near islands of the Puget Sound and a huge Space Needle that was erected to celebrate the 1962 World's Fair.

Space Needle via Google Maps

The Luxury Link analysis of U.S. Department of Commerce data report lists visiting family and friends, business trips, and conventions among the top reasons people come here.

Vacations, however, is the number one reason for international tourist trips to Washington state. Europeans like to call it "going on holiday." These types of worldwide travel excursions brought over 21 million people here in 2023.

Get our free mobile app

TOP ACTIVITIES THAT INTERNATIONAL VISITORS DO IN WASHINGTON STATE

It's not shocking to see sightseeing, taking in the sights of art galleries and museums, enjoying fine dining, traversing Washington's numerous national and state parks, going on road trips to explore small towns and cities, and visiting wineries, breweries, and distilleries as the top pleasurable activities our global compadres like to do here.

The number one activity they love to do while being here is...

SHOPPING!

Some of the best shopping in Washington can be found in our outlet stores, local boutiques, antique shops, the Ikea store, cultural stores like Uwajimaya, and several major shopping malls.

Washington State's 5 Best Cities for Surviving a Zombie Apocalypse

If you thought only Florida could handle the zombie apocalypse, think again! Here are five cities in Washington State that will help you survive if the Walking Dead ever comes to town.

Gallery Credit: Rik Mikals