(The Center Square) – Seattle is expected to see a 27% drop in international overnight visitors this year, with generated sales tax revenue remaining flat.
The Seattle Office of Economic and Revenue Forecast anticipates sales tax revenue to total $344.7 million in 2025, a 1.26% increase year-over-year from $340.4 million in 2024. The small bump in revenue comes as the city is set to address a $143 million budget deficit.
Sales tax revenue generated through the leisure and hospitality sector is highly dependent on tourism. The office notes sales tax revenue collection has been weak since the second half of 2023. In all of 2023, the city collected $339.9 million…