NEWS RELEASES
"National Park Visitor Spending Effects" Report Breaks Down Economic Impact
Editor's Note: This news item was retrieved and first published through The National Park Service's website.
WASHINGTON - According to a NPS report, 2018 visitor spending in communities near national parks supported 329,000 jobs in hotels, restaurants, transportation, and recreation. The annual National Park Visitor Spending Effects report stated that more than 318 million visitors spent $20.2 billion in communities within 60 miles of a park in the National Park System. Of the 329,000 jobs supported by visitor spending, more than 268,000 jobs exist in the park gateway communities.
National Park Service Deputy Director P. Daniel said in a press release: “National parks with their iconic natural, cultural and historic landscapes represent the heart and soul of America. They are also a vital part of our nation’s economy, especially for park gateway communities where millions of visitors each year find a place to sleep and eat, hire outfitters and guides and make use of other local services that help drive a vibrant tourism and outdoor recreation industry.” Economic benefits from visitor spending increased by $2 billion and total output increased by $4.3 billion in comparison to 2017.
To read the full report and a list of visitation numbers of National Parks by year with spending totals, click here.