Seattle and Washington State at WTM 2018 Stand NA270, USA Pavilion

 The Port of Seattle has had a successful year in the UK with a significant increase in direct non-stop flights from the UK and Ireland to Seattle and more cruises to Alaska. 

Year to date in 2018 to the end of August, air travel between Seattle and Europe is up 29% on the same period in 2017. 

Overall the British cruise market is strong and for 2018 will surpass two million for the first time. Alaska cruises out of Seattle are also strong with growth year on year. In 2015, 898,032 travelled between Seattle and Alaska, rising to 1,071,592 in 2017 and for 2018 the estimate is 1,100,600, on 216 ship calls. Major highlights in 2018 included the launch of the Norwegian Bliss, which sailed weekly from May.  

The Port of Seattle’s UK and Ireland marketing initiatives educate and promote tourism experiences in Seattle and Washington State to the trade and media. Over 150 UK and Irish tour operators now feature Seattle/Washington State in their product portfolios, up over 30% since 2015.   

Ron Peck, Director Tourism Development, Port of Seattle says; “The growth of our cruise industry and visitors from the UK and Ireland speak to our successful marketing and development campaigns and the beauty of the Pacific Northwest. This month we launch an inflight Destination Guide to Seattle on board Virgin Atlantic. We have secured extensive earned media coverage including several TV features and through industry partnerships with cruise companies, airlines and tour operators, we have extended our consumer reach and profile. 

“We supported the launch of the Norwegian Bliss cruise ship in Seattle and the inaugural Aer Lingus media programme. Seattle and Washington State were part of the Brand USA MegaFam, and we ran, or co-sponsored a range of promotions with key tour operators including Trailfinders, Barrhead, Princess Cruises and the Thomas Cook’s USA Everywhere campaign.” 

“Thomas Cook Airlines has confirmed they will increase the number of weekly flights during the summer from two to three for 2019 and in 2019 more new cruise ships will sail from Seattle, including the Ovation of the Seas (Royal Caribbean International). The Norwegian Joy will also join the Norwegian Bliss sailing to Alaska from Seattle.   

“The Port of Seattle looks forward to continued growth in the year ahead, and to continuing our work to raise the profile of cruise and stay experiences in Seattle and Washington State in the UK and Irish markets.”