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Portland summer tourism numbers hit highest mark since the pandemic

See how the statistics skryocketed with the sun out.

September 6, 2024 • 
Ben McBee
Portlandia, a large copper statue mounted on the side of a building, reaches down from its perch. The figure has long flowing hair and is holding a trident.

It looks like Portland is back on its feet and taking steps toward a full recovery.

Photo by Ben McBee, PDXtoday

If you got out and about this summer, there was a palpable sense of people enjoying Portland, and that sentiment is in sync with the seasonal tourism statistics.

Let’s break down some recent numbers shared by Travel Portland that show remarkable progress as the city rebounds from the pandemic.

  • 2.4 million people visited downtown in June and July, the highest foot traffic seen in the area since pre-COVID times.
  • Smith Travel Report revealed hotel occupancy for June (72.8%), July (70.4%), and August (74.4%) in the Central City, which includes downtown and the Lloyd District. These are all best rates since 2019.
  • Portland International Airport’s new main terminal opened prior to Labor Day Weekend, but before that, two dates — Sunday, June 16 and Sunday, August 11 — landed at No. 7 and No. 5 respectively on top 10 busiest travel days of the year.
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