Seattle Recognized as one of the World’s Top Destinations for 2024 Travel by AFAR  

Renowned travel brand includes Seattle on prestigious ‘Where to Go’ list

SEATTLE – Seattle is entering the new year with a major distinction – as award-winning travel media brand AFAR names the Emerald City on its list of the most exciting destinations for 2024 travel. Released today, AFAR’s highly anticipated ‘Where to Go’ list spotlights the best travel destinations for the coming year. Selected by AFAR’s global team of correspondents and editors, this year’s list includes 25 top destinations from around the world. One of five U.S. cities to be recognized, Seattle will also be featured in AFAR’s ‘Where to Go’ print issue, which hits newsstands on Jan. 9, 2024.

“We are thrilled for Seattle to receive this prestigious recognition from AFAR, underscoring our city’s status as a world class destination,” said Tammy Canavan, President & CEO for Visit Seattle. “As both Seattleites and those who have traveled to our city can attest, there is no other place in the world quite like Seattle. We embody a unique blend of natural beauty and outdoor adventure with a vibrant and diverse cultural scene brimming with extraordinary attractions, top-tier accommodations, culinary hotspots and state-of-the-art meeting facilities. There’s so much excitement heading into the new year, with many reasons for visitors to discover – or rediscover – what makes Seattle among the world’s most iconic spots.”

AFAR’s selection nods to many of the city’s anticipated events over the next year – declaring that Seattle’s cultural offerings take the spotlight in 2024. The publication highlights several museum and gallery happenings, including the anticipated CALDER: IN MOTION, THE SHIRLEY FAMILY COLLECTION exhibition at Seattle Art Museum (running now through Aug. 4, 2024), the Hank Willis Thomas: LOVERULES exhibition at Henry Art Gallery (running Feb. 24, 2024 — Aug. 04, 2024), the Roots of Wisdom: Native Knowledge. Shared Science. exhibit at The Museum of History and Industry (running now through March 3, 2024), and the Seattle Aquarium’s new Ocean Pavilion (opening summer 2024).

“Selected as one of the ‘Great American Cities’ in AFAR’s Where to Go in 2024 list, Seattle not only has its gorgeous natural surroundings going for it, but also its rich cultural offerings,” says Billie Cohen, AFAR’s executive editor. “The events coming up in 2024 showcase the city’s coastal geography as well as a commitment to the arts and diversity.”

Spanning cities, regions, and whole countries, AFAR cites the 2024 list as the result of months of research and reporting from its cohort of correspondents and editors roaming the globe. The outlet’s selection process focused on opportunities that allow travelers to go deeper and represent AFAR’s  belief that travel can be a force for good. Seattle is included in the editorial roundups of Great American Cities.

View the full ‘Where to Go’ list.

About Visit Seattle:
Visit Seattle has served as the official destination marketing organization (DMO) for Seattle and King County for more than 50 years. A 501(c)(6) organization, Visit Seattle enhances the economic prosperity of the region through global destination branding along with competitive programs and campaigns in leisure travel marketing, convention sales, and overseas tourism development. Visit visitseattle.org.

About AFAR:
AFAR is the critically acclaimed travel media brand that makes a positive impact on the world through high-quality storytelling that inspires, enriches, and empowers travelers who care. The print edition reaches 1.1 million travelers, while AFAR.com attracts 2.5 million monthly UVs. Follow along on Instagram (@afarmedia) and LinkedIn (https://www.linkedin.com/company/afar-media/).