Over 28,000 people work in Snohomish County's Tourism & Hospitality Services cluster. Employment within the cluster grew 34% since 2002 and decreased slightly from 2008 as a result of national and statewide drops in travel spending. Despite this fact, this cluster generated a spark in recent years that is not fading anytime soon. Population increases resulted in a sudden boom in hotel, motel, and restaurant construction, and recent studies show tourism to be a $911.6 million industry in Snohomish County, up 5.9% from 2008. Tourism alone generates 9,610 jobs, $203.2 million in payroll, $14.7 million in local taxes, and $51.6 million in state taxes. Snohomish County currently ranks 3rd out of 39 counties in the state in terms of visitor spending, behind King and Pierce Counties. Urban areas present world-class attractions and hotels, while rural areas provide for exceptional nature-based tourism opportunities and wildlife viewing. This cluster is an achievable means to economic strength and diversity for the whole county.

The Tourism & Hospitality Services cluster focuses on:

• Arts, entertainment, and recreation
• Accommodation and food services
• Convention centers
• Visitor bureaus