What’s New in 2024

Air and Sea News

Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA)

New Direct Flights from SeaTac To China Available
Two non-stop flights from SeaTac to Chongqing, began in May 2024. Chongqing is one of Seattle’s sister cities, located in Southwestern China, and is known as a megacity with 3000 years of history and rapid modern expansion since the 1990s. This is the eighth new international service announcement for 2024. Hainan Airlines also recently resumed service to Beijing with multiple weekly flights. Learn more here.

Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA) Launches Accessibility Program, SEA Access

SEA Access is an interdepartmental collaboration that supports the accessibility needs of customers and workers at SEA Airport through accessible facilities, customer service resources, and community engagement. Its goal is to create a safe, welcoming, and easy travel experience for all. SEA Access is part of Upgrade SEA, an investment of around $1 billion per year for the next five years, to update and upgrade its facilities in order to give passengers more of what they need and love, including accessibility support like:

Zero-grade curbs and ramps at the Arrivals Drive to create step-free access from vehicle to curb with shallower slopes
Restroom upgrades that will add additional family restrooms and restroom facilities with both baby and adult changing tables to multi-user, all-gender restrooms
Accessible facilities like sensory rooms, service animal relief areas and nursing rooms and suites

To learn more about SEA Access and SEA’s ongoing efforts to become the nation’s most accessible airports, visit portseattle.com.

Alaska Airlines Adds Third Daily Flight from SeaTac to Bellingham International Airport

Starting in March 2024, Alaska Airlines will add a third flight between SEA and BLI. The new flight departs SEA at 5:30 p.m. and arrives at BLI at 6:19 p.m. daily. More information here.

SEA Welcomes New International and Domestic Air Service

SEA has welcomed several new international air services, including:

WestJet, Calgary-Seattle
American Airlines, London-Seattle
Alaska Airlines, Belize-Seattle
Qatar Airways, Doha-Seattle
Finnair, Helsinki-Seattle
Air Canada, Montreal-Seattle
Aer Lingus, Dublin-Seattle
Delta Air Lines, London-Seattle
Alaska Airlines, Edmonton-Seattle

Delta Launches Flight to Taipei from SEA Starting June 2024

On its 90th anniversary in Seattle, Delta Airlines announced it will build on its international presence and launch daily nonstop service from SEA to Taiwan Taoyaun International Airport (TPE) starting June 6, 2024. This will be Delta’s first aircraft operation to TPE since 2017. The addition builds on SEA’s status as a hub and Delta’s west coast gateway to Asia. Read the full press release here.

SEA Adds New Nonstop Service to Munich, Germany by Lufthansa in May 2024

SEA expands its international reach and adds a new nonstop service to Munich, Germany. The service connects Washington with one of Europe’s most important business and leisure destinations, as Munich is the base for Microsoft’s operations in Germany. It operates daily as of May 2024, and then three times per week in the winter. Read the full press release here.

American Airlines Expanding Direct Service Offerings to Phoenix Sky Harbor Airport (PHX) from Tri-Cities Airport (PSC)

For the first time, American Airlines serves the Tri-Cities Airport in Pasco with a once-daily direct flight from PHX to PSC that began February 2024. Just three months after the new service started, the airline announced that it will offer a second daily direct flight between the two destinations. The addition speaks to PSC’s post-pandemic growth, and nearly the airport saw 800,000 passengers in 2022, making it one of the busiest years on record. Learn more here.

SEA welcomes international service to Paris with Air Tahiti Nui in partnership with Alaska Airlines

After becoming SEA’s first connection to French Polynesia in October 2021, Air Tahiti Nui is now connecting Seattle to Paris in new year-round, twice-weekly service. In partnership with Alaska Airlines, Air Tahiti Nui becomes the first and only carrier offering nonstop flights connecting the South Pacific, Pacific Northwest and now Paris.

The codeshare partnership between Air Tahiti Nui and Alaska Airlines offers flexible and convenient access between many major cities such as Vancouver, Boston, Chicago, Miami, New York City and The Islands of Tahiti. The new flight operates twice a week – Tuesday and Saturday using a Boeing 787-9 Tahitian Dreamliner aircraft.

Southwest Airlines Introduces Direct Flight from Bellingham International Airport to Denver International Airport

Since April 2023 and continuing seasonally, travelers are able to fly direct from Bellingham International Airport (BLI) to Denver International Airport. The non-stop, Saturday only flight comes after strong demand for eastbound flights and travelers looking to avoid the heavy crowds of the SEA and Vancouver airports. BLI now offers direct flights to Las Vegas, Los Angeles, Oakland, Palm Springs, Phoenix (Mesa), San Diego, Seattle/Tacoma and Denver on three major airlines.

Spokane International Airport Expands with TREX Program

The $150 million and 144,000 square feet expansion project, called TREX, began in October 2022 with the Concourse C project. It will add three new gates, upgrade existing gates and add additional counter locations. The larger TREX project will be LEED certified, replace aging infrastructure, expand accessibility for persons with disabilities, promote economic development in Spokane and enhance competitive air service. The Concourse C Expansion Project is the first phase of the TREX program. It is expected to be completed by 2025. For more information, visit gegtrex.com.

SEA Announces Major Terminal Improvement Projects

A SEA improvement project spanning C and D concourses began in mid-2022 with completion slated for 2027. The project includes some 145,530-square-feet of dining, retail and other amenities, as well as a 20,000-square-foot Alaska Airlines lounge. The heart of the space will be the Grand Stairs in the C concourse with seating, airfield views, music, art, dining and retail.

The Port of Seattle Commission approved a $399 million budget for the C Concourse Expansion project. It has a goal of LEED v4 Silver certification and will be all electric and fossil-fuel free. The multi-phase modernization of SEA’s main terminal will transform the area where C and D Concourses meet by adding four floors to the building’s current three floors. It will also update and re-configure ticketing and security checkpoints and upgrade facility systems to meet new technology and building standards. Spaces will be lightened and opened to enhance flow and the passenger experience, as well as accommodate expected growth in passenger volume with a goal of making SEA Airport the greenest and most efficient port in North America. Phase A construction began in Q4 2022 with an estimated completion in Q2 2024. Phase two began in Q3 2023 and is estimated to be complete in Q3 2026. Learn more: www.portseattle.org

SEA Ranks 18^th in Skytrax’s Top 20 Airports List

SEA ranks 18^th in Skytrax’s Top 20 Best Airports list and is one of two North American airports to be included along with Vancouver International Airport.

Port of Seattle

Port of Seattle Approves 10-Year Agreement with Carnival Corporation

A 10-year agreement was approved between the Port of Seattle Commission and the Carnival Corporation for the Carnival Cruise Line, Princess Cruises, Holland America Line, and Cunard brands to continue to home port in Seattle during the Alaska cruise season. This agreement supports the Port in achieving its zero-emission sustainability goals, bolsters local economic development, and helps boost the economic impact of cruises in the region. Read the full press release here.

Record Breaking Summer for Seattle Air and Sea

The Port of Seattle and SEA both had record breaking summer seasons, surpassing pre-pandemic numbers.

The Port of Seattle had a record breaking 2023 cruise season, hosting 291 cruises with a record of over 907,572 individual passengers who visited over a six-month season that began in April and ended in October of 2023. In 2024, the port expects an even stronger cruise calendar, anticipating 277 cruise homeport calls with continued high occupancy and very strong passenger volumes.

SEA saw a total of 15.3 million travelers from June through August 2023. On July 24, 2023, more than 198,000 domestic travelers passed through the airport. The previous record was 72,154 on August 15, 2019. On July 29, 2023, the airport set an international travel record with 8,512 passengers going through customs at the International Arrivals Facility. The previous record was 8,471 travelers on July 16, 2023. Forecasts see 2024 volumes surpoassing 2019 by 3 percent. Read more here.

Cunard Launches Queen Elizabeth’s 2025 Alaska Season, Roundtrip from Seattle

The British luxury cruise line Cunard Line announced the Queen Elizabeth will call Seattle its homeport in 2025. It will offer 11 voyages in Alaska, ranging from 7 to 11 nights, from June 12 until September 25, 2025. With Alaska Native Voices onboard, including a Cultural Heritage Guide, plus a Naturalist on every sailing to provide distinctive deck commentary, guests can experience the majestic scenery and local culture of Alaska than with Cunard. The trip has 24 late evening departures to allow guests ample time to explore port cities such as Ketchikan and Sitka and join whale-watching expeditions or experience the world’s largest zipline. Read the full press release here.

New electric ferry to Lummi Island

In 2022, the U.S. Department of Transportation awarded a grant to replace the 60-year-old Whatcom Chief ferry with a new and improved electric-hybrid ferry for Lummi Island. The ferry is expected to fit 15-25 cars and will help lower emissions and help provide a cleaner environment around the island. The ferry is scheduled to be unveiled in 2027. Learn more.

Convention, Sports, and Events Facilities

Seattle Home to 2026 FIFA World Cup

Seattle, along with 14 other cities in the U.S., will host the FIFA World Cup at Lumen Field in 2026. The upcoming tournament is the first-ever combined bid to feature three nations, the United States, Mexico and Canada, and Seattle will be home to 60 matches. The tournament is expected to collectively generate more than $5 billion in short-term economic activity and produce 40,000 jobs across 14 cities. Read the full press release here.

United Soccer League Men’s and Women’s Pro Teams Coming To Spokane in 2024

New United Soccer League (USL) owners Ryan and Katie Harnetiaux announce that Spokane will be home to both a men’s and women’s professional soccer team in 2024. The name of the men’s team, Spokane Velocity FC, was recently unveiled, and is a reference to the Monroe Street Bridge and the waterfalls in and around Spokane. The women’s team name, Spokane Zephyr FC, was announced in November 2023 and symbolizes the power and force for change in the community.

Spokane Zephyr FC will also have another team in the nation’s pre-professional women’s league. It is expected that over 35 matches will be played per season in the city’s newly built stadium, and the season will run from March to October. Find more information at www.uslspokane.com and www.spokanezephyr.com.

Outdoor Recreation

New Nisqually State Park Developments Underway

The next phase of development for Nisqually State Park is currently underway. This is the first time Washington State Parks has partnered with a local Tribe to create a new park. Themes and details around the lifestyle and culture of the Nisqually people will be prominent in the completed project. The current phase will include the construction of an interpretive plaza and other new operational facilities, the development of a trail system that leads to the Nisqually River and multiple river overlooks. Future developments will include a welcome station, campgrounds, a Village Center, and more. Learn more here.

Same-Day Camping Reservations Now Available at 26 Washington State Parks

Visitors can now make same-day reservations at 26 Washington State Parks including Deception Pass, Lake Chelan, Cape Disappointment and more. Instead of loading up and heading out without knowing if there is a spot available, campers can secure a site before arriving. Same-day reservations can be made until 4 p.m.. Learn more here.

Stevens Canyon Road in Mount Rainier National Park Reopened

After an extensive two-year rehabilitation project to repair and restore Stevens Canyon Road, the nine-mile route is now open. The road travels through the heart of Mount Rainier National Park, connecting the east and west sides, and providing access to scenic views, gateway communities, and multiple recreation opportunities. View the full press release.

Mount St Helens Johnston Ridge Observatory Closed Until 2026

State Routed 504 is closed past the Mount St Helens Science & Learning Center at Coldwater at milepost 45.2 due to a landslide in May 2023. As a result, the popular visitor’s center Johnston Ridge Observatory is closed through 2026 while road and bridge repairs are underway. Find more information and alternative destinations here.

$15 Million in Funding for Cle Elum Ridge Landscape from Senators Murray and Cantwell

With $15 Million in funding, the Washington State Department of Natural Resources will acquire 9,700 acres of forest land on the Cle Elum Ridge. This project is intended to boost recreation opportunities including the maintenance of over 40 miles of trails, preserve wildlife habitats, protect the Yakima River Basin, and improve community wildfire resilience. Read more here.

Eastrail – New Rail Trail Connecting to Eastlink in 2026

Eastrail is currently under development, turning a historic railroad line into 42 miles of paved trail for walking and biking along the east side of Lake Washington to Snohomish, WA. Once completed, Eastrail will link to over 175 miles of existing regional trails and connect directly to the new Eastlink light rail stations. Portions of the trail are already open, with the rest slated to open in 2026. Additions include the transformation of the historic, 120 years-old, Wilburton Trestle into a 1000-foot-long trail bridge. Read more here.

Mount Rainier Introduces Trailhead Shuttle and Hiker Services

Starting Spring 2024, Talking Rocks Outdoor Company will provide trailhead shuttles and hiker support services in Mount Rainier National Park. Pick-up and Drop-Off Areas include:

SeaTac Airport
Bus and train stations in Auburn
Trails along the SR410 Corridor, including Chinook Pass and White Pass
Iconic destinations such as Mt. Rainier, Mt. Adams, and Goat Rocks Wilderness
Crystal Mountain Resort
Wonderland Trail and Walupt Lake
Wilderness areas like William O. Douglas, Norse Peak, and Tatoosh
Notable trails like American Ridge and Nelson Ridge in the William O. Douglas Wilderness

Learn more he r e.

New Surf Park Coming to Yakima

Barreled Surf Park, a groundbreaking attraction in development in Yakima, will provide safe, accessible and non-stop fun to Pacific Northwest residents and beyond. The WaveGarden Cove, a recent technological break-through in artificial wave technology and the park’s most anticipated attraction, will allow surfers of all levels to enjoy a variety of wave options, from a slow rolling ‘Malibu’ to a six-foot barrel. With lessons and classes, an onsite bar and restaurant selling craft beverages from the region and a retail shop for any surf-specific needs, Barreled is fun for the whole family. Guests can stay overnight at the campground, RV Park or in stand-alone cottage to keep the good times rolling. Learn more at www.surfbarreled.com.

Tri-Cities, Washington to Host IRONMAN 70.3 Washington Tri-Cities Triathlon in 2024, 2025 and 2026

Visit Tri-Cities will be the lead organization in facilitating the event through a three-year host agreement with IRONMAN and in collaboration with the City of Richland, West Richland and other regional communities and agencies. The international triathlon will also be held on September 22, 2024, September 21, 2025, and September 20, 2026. Each year, the event will bring 2500 athletes plus an additional 7,500 visitors, crews and support staff to the area inducing $6-$8 million in visitor spending to local businesses. Read the full press release here.

Snow Peak Opened First U.S. Campfield in Long Beach, Washington in June 2024

Snow Peak, the Japanese outdoor adventure brand that reimagines outdoor experiences, has opened a campground in Long Beach with accommodation options ranging from tents to minimalist cabins. The site is home to a café and store, with paths connecting guests to Pacific beaches. Long Beach Campfield is the first location in the United States. The brand has five campfields in Japan including in Niigata, Hokkaido, Osaka, Kochi and Oita. More information can be found here.

Crystal Mountain Plans Major Ski Destination Re-Development

Crystal Mountain announced a five-year, $100 million redevelopment aimed at offering more space, access and providing an enjoyable ski and snowboarding experience in the Pacific Northwest. The redevelopment will increase life and terrain access, provide new on-mountain lodging and larger gathering spaces.

The first development is the Mountain Commons, a 25,000-square-foot open-concept lodge that provides a central space for eating, drinking and gathering to enjoy the mountains. The first level will act as a central hub for guests to start the day right with a café, retail and restroom area. Moving upward, the second floor provides even more dining options, including a pizzeria and a smokehouse bar and grill, and an outdoor snow beach with firepits and patio dining options. The Mountain Commons is projected to open in 2024.

During the 2023/2024 winter season, Cascade Lodge will be reimaged to accommodate every skier and snowboarders needs, including seasonal lockers, dining options, rentals, demos and retail space. In the months to come, Crystal Mountain will finalize plans for terrain expansion, increased uphill capacity and more amenities for guests to enjoy year-round. Learn more: www.crystalmountainresort.com

Tri-Cities, Washington Selected to Host National Horseshoe Pitching Championships in 2024 and 2027
The prestigious National Horseshoe Pitching Association (NHPA) announced in October 2023 that Tri-Cities will host the NHPA World Horseshoe Pitching Championships in 2024 and 2027. Each championship event is expected to bring in nearly $1 million in economic impact to the area. Learn more here.

Food and Beverage

Two Washington Restaurants Make The New York Times Best-In-The-U.S. List

Walla Walla County’s Bar Bacetto and Seattle’s Ltd Edition Sushi rank among the top 50 places to dine in The United States. Bar Bacetto specializes in upscale Italian cuisine, and Ltd Edition Sushi is an omakase-only spot in Capitol Hill. Read the full list of winners here.

Jamestown S’Klallam Fisherman Serving Native Caught Seafood in Downtown Port Angeles Restaurant
Jamestown S’Klallam geoduck divers Jeremy and Jason Holden opened Moby Duck Chowder and Seafood in late 2023. The native-owned restaurant serves fresh, seasonally available seafood from Tribal fisherman, including geoduck caught locally in Sequim Bay by the Holden brothers. Learn more here.

New Native-Owned Coffee Shop Works Toward Building Community in Coupeville
Beaver Tales Coffee opened a second location on the Historic Coupeville Wharf. This is just phase one of a multifaceted plan to create the sʷədəbš Cultural Center in the heart of Coupeville dedicated to celebrating local indigenous cultures. Owners Tony and Michelle seek to create a comprehensive center that expands the coffee shop into a restaurant, art gallery, educational space, and gift shop that immerses visitors in the rich heritage of Indigenous communities. Currently, the cafe serves in-house roasted coffee, specialty beverages, fresh baked goods, sandwiches, and salads. Learn more here.

Indigenous Culture

Stillaguamish Tribe of Indians Opens New RV Resort in Arlington WA
Just 60 miles north of Seattle, the Stillaguamish Tribe of Indians have opened Angel of the Winds RV Resort on their ancestral lands. The resort features full RV hookups, state-of-the-art restrooms and laundry facilities, easy access to outdoor recreation, swimming pool and hot tub, pickleball courts, an off-leash dog park, and more. Learn more here.

Indigenous Civil Rights Documentary Premieres at Seattle International Film Festival

“Fish War” chronicles the decades-long battle between the state government, non-tribal fishermen, and Indigenous communities of Washington for fishing access granted by an 1855 treaty and current challenges to preserve salmon runs due to climate change and habitat destruction. The documentary premiered at the 50th Anniversary of the Seattle International Film Festival. Learn more here.

The Salmon People’s Struggle to Survive: The Story of Muckleshoot Fisheries
The Muckleshoot Indian Tribe has been making films about the Tribe’s effort to protect their culture, salmon, and the land. Their most recent documentary “The Salmon People’s Struggle to Survive: The Story of Muckleshoot Fisheries” was nominated for a 2024 Northwest Regional Emmy® and was selected for two international film festivals. Learn more here.

New Nisqually State Park Developments Underway

Snoqualmie Casino Expansion is Underway, Set to Open 2025

The Snoqualmie Casino announced a multi-phase expansion that will include a new hotel, expanded gaming floor, destination spa, 2,000-seat entertainment and convention center, parking structure and two restaurants with plans for a third in the future. The new space is set to open in early 2025. The casino is located in Snoqualmie, Washington and owned by the Snoqualmie Tribe. Learn more here.

Tulalip Casino Undergoing 2-Year Renovation
Tulalip Casino announced a 2-year renovation plan on its 20th anniversary in late 2023. The project includes a 70,250-square-foot addition and a major renovation to the rest of the property. The scheduled completion is set for late 2025. Learn more here.

Jamestown S’Klallam Fisherman Serving Native Caught Seafood in Downtown Port Angeles Restaurant

Jamestown S’Klallam geoduck divers Jeremy and Jason Holden opened Moby Duck Chowder and Seafood in late 2023. The native-owned restaurant serves fresh, seasonally available seafood from Tribal fisherman, including geoduck caught locally in Sequim Bay by the Holden brothers. Learn more here.

General Developments

Sound Transit Light Rail Service Expansions

Eastlink 2 Line Now Open

The newest segment of the Sound Transit Light Rail system offers passengers a quick and safe way to travel throughout Bellevue and Redmond. The 6.6 mile line has eight stations with service every 10-minutes for 16 hours a day, seven days a week. Two stations are expected to be added in Redmond in Spring 2025. Learn more here.

Extension to Lynwood Opens August 2024

In August, the 1 Line will extend to Lynnwood, adding 8.5 miles and 4 stations with trains running every eight minutes during peak hours. Learn more here.

Port of Everett’s 5-Year Capital Improvement Plan Kicks Off in 2024

The Capital Improvement Plan is in place to continue developing Everett’s waterfront for additional commerce and recreation. This includes building out public infrastructure at Waterfront Place for more destination retail and restaurant opportunities as well as maritime infrastructure updates to modernize the seaport. Learn more here.

50th Anniversary of Seattle Pride

2024 marks the 50th anniversary of Seattle Pride Month which stands as one of the country’s largest free Pride festivals. This year’s theme is “Community Voice” for the month-long celebration with events, parades, and festivals. More information on the celebration here.

President Biden Includes Funding for Hurricane Ridge Repair in Supplemental Funding Request

The Biden administration included funding for the rebuilding of the Hurricane Ridge Day Lodge in Olympic National Park after it was burned down in May 2023 at Senator Murray’s urging. The funding will be used to redesign and rebuild the Day Lodge on the same footprint as well as construction of interim facilities. The total cost to build these facilities is an estimated $80 million. Read the full press release here.

Spokane Celebrates 50th Anniversary of World’s Fair from May 4 – July 4, 2024In 1974, Spokane became the smallest city in history to host the World’s Fair, an environmentally focused event that became the catalyst for sustainable growth in that region. The 50th anniversary will occur from May 4th to July 4th and aims to reinvigorate the city the same way the World’s Fair originally did 50 years ago. For more information and a list of scheduled events, visit Expo 50 | Spokane (visitspokane.com)

Snoqualmie Riverwalk Project

The Snoqualmie Riverwalk Project is now in the early planning stages of a multi-phased, long-term recreational development that will act as a destination trail loop to be enjoyed by residents and visitors. The riverwalk will connect from Snoqualmie Falls to Three Forks Natural Area with trails along the north and south shores. The proposed Snoqualmie Riverwalk will increase public access and enjoyment of the Snoqualmie River, offer a loop system for and public spaces for programming and incorporate sustainable components to preserve the pristine environment. www.snoqualmiewa.gov

Port of Vancouver Continues Terminal 1 Vancouver Development Project With Expected Completion in Early 2024

In 2022, the Port of Vancouver USA unveiled the new Vancouver Landing, the first finished project of the port’s Terminal 1 development, which aims to provide a seamless connection along the Vancouver waterfront and offer a unique community and visitor experience. The project will redevelop nearly 950,000 square feet of space and create 800 new jobs to support commercial activity and is estimated to generate $93 million in state and local tax revenue over a 25-year period.

The Port received $3.5 million from the Washington State Legislature to remove the current 100+ year old dock and the structures above it and rebuild the dock with ecological improvements. The last phase of the Terminal 1 project is the addition of a public market on the new dock, with expected completion in 2027. Learn more here.

Washougal Waterfront Development Hyas Point Broke Ground in Fall 2023

The Port of Camas-Washougal began Phase 1 of development of Hyas Point, which will be a lively, walkable place in the cities of Washougal and Camas with community gathering and character spaces, commercial, retail, mixed-use and residential uses. The name Hyas Point references the local Native American culture, with “Hyas” meaning ‘big’ or ‘great,’ and the development will incorporate Native American artistic elements to connect to the community identity. The first phase of construction began in fall 2023, and it will have several streets including a main thoroughfare along the Columbia River and four buildings with 260 apartment units and 56,000 square feet of retail and restaurant space. Learn more here.

Construction of New Seattle Waterfront Underway, Expected Completion in 2025

Waterfront Seattle is rebuilding Alaskan Way from S King to Pike streets, and building a new street, known as Elliott Way, from Pine to Bell streets. The new surface street will span a total of 17 blocks from Pioneer Square to Belltown, with two lanes of traffic in either direction for the majority of the street. This street will also have the honorary name Dzidzilalich, which means “little crossing-over place,” in Lushootseed to honor the lands and shared waters of the Puget Sound Coast Salish People.

The project will add:

Connections to park spaces, restaurants, stores and neighborhoods
Raised street crossings and widened sidewalks for pedestrians
More than 500 new street trees, extensive ground covers and green stormwater infrastructure to manage stormwater runoff on-site
Extensive pedestrian lighting in addition to roadway lighting

Construction began in 2019 and completion is expected in 2025, with delays due to COVID-19 impacts. Learn more about the project and construction timeline here.

Hotels and Lodging

Newly Renovated South Bay Inn Opened March 2024
Originally built in 1966, the South Bay Inn features 21 newly renovated modern and functional rooms with AC and kitchenettes nestled on the Washington coast in Westport. Room options range from a single double bed to the South Bay House with three individual bedrooms. The hotel overlooks the Westport Bay with easy access to fishing, multiple state parks, restaurants, breweries, and wineries. Learn more here.

Carbon-Negative Hotel Westland Opening in Seattle in Summer 2024

The second of its kind in the United States, Hotel Westland will be a carbon positive and adaptive reuse boutique hotel in Seattle’s Pioneer Square district. Urban Villages, the real estate developer, has begun construction on the historic warehouse building, revitalizing the structure and turning it into a 120-room hotel with a restaurant, coffee bar, meeting spaces, a penthouse suite and open-air rooftop bar. The hotel will rely on renewable energy and reusable materials, partnering with regional ecology groups to remove carbon from daily operations. Westland marks the third structure in Urban Village’s carbon-negative “micro-district” called RailSpur, with offices and retail spaces already in place and connected by alleyways that host art, music and culinary programming. Learn more here.

New Mistequa Casino Hotel Expected to Welcome Guests in 2024

Construction of the new Mistequa Casino Hotel is underway with expected completion in 2024. The Spokane Tribe broke ground on the project in October 2021, and the hotel will be the first hotel property owned and operated by the Tribe. The new space will feature 69 guestrooms and will include amenities like an on-site restaurant, lounge and patio seating, indoor swimming pool, indoor hot tub and sauna, fitness room and meeting and event space. Mistequa Casino Hotel will also feature ski lockers for guests visiting the nearby 49 Degrees North Mountain Resort and will offer a seasonal RV Park and a nearby convenience store for snacks and fuel. Learn more at www.mistequa.com.

Sasquatch Watch Airbnb scheduled to open in 2024

Located near Mount Rainier National Park, this Sasquatch-themed Airbnb imitates a Bigfoot Cabin Dwelling with Sasquatch thrones, a large bed, custom wood designs and more. The project was funded after the owners entered the idea in Airbnb’s $10M OMG! Fund, awarded to 100 winners across 20 countries. It is expected to open in 2024. Learn more here.

Hotel Iconica Celebrates Soft Opening in Spring 2023, Full Opening Expected in 2024

Hotel Iconica, located in White Salmon near the Columbia River Gorge, welcomed guests in Spring 2023 after completing the first phase of development. The property features 16 guestrooms, from one- and two-bed rooms to Penthouse suites, all of which have full kitchens and contactless check-in and out. The property blends art, sculpture and unity to reflect the natural environment and offers unobstructed views of Mount Hood for an authentic experience. Phase 2 of development began in April 2023 and upon completion in spring 2024, will add an additional 14 rooms. Learn more at www.hoteliconica.com.

The Former States Inn on the San Juan Islands Becomes Saturn’s Return

Saturn’s Return replaces the former States Inn on the San Juan Islands and brings regenerative tourism and agriculture to the forefront. The hotel is set on a large farm where guests can participate in farm chores that help support sustainable practices like gathering eggs, joining in on the morning harvest, planting fruit trees and tending the beehives. Seasonal workshops are also available and will cover gardening, cooking, baking, fiber arts, floristry, herbalism and more. Over the next five years, the hotel will plant over two thousand species of flora, with a focus on storage and staple crops. The hotel features sustainable amenities like organic linens, and guests can enjoy a daily breakfast made from farm-grown ingredients. Learn more at www.saturnsreturn.com.

###

MEDIA CONTACT:

Althea Conyers Achem / Taylor Zetlin

Public Relations, GreenRubino for State of Washington Tourism

E: WATourismPR@greenrubino.com