Seattle's World Cup Buzz Yields Mixed Local Business Results

Seattle’s World Cup hosting drew crowds that energized bars and waterfront venues on match days and boosted hotel revenue, but many local businesses report mixed results overall. Tourism has tilted toward domestic visitors while international travel remains down due to higher costs and geopolitical tensions, leaving some shops with flat or declining sales. City officials hope the event demonstrates Seattle’s capacity to host big events and spur future investment, even as a final tourism tally remains unsettled.