A new report released by the Department of the Interior’s National Park Service reveals that visitor spending in communities near national parks contributed a record $55.6 billion to the U.S. economy in 2023. This spending supported 415,400 jobs, underscoring the economic impact of national parks on local communities.
According to the 2023 National Park Visitor Spending Effects report, 325.5 million visitors spent $26.4 billion in areas surrounding national parks. The resulting economic activity provided $19.4 billion in labor income and generated $55.6 billion in total economic output.
The findings emphasize the importance of preserving and investing in national parks, as they continue to draw millions of visitors annually. In a press release, Secretary of the Interior Deb Haaland noted that the Biden-Harris administration’s investments in park restoration and infrastructure have been instrumental in enhancing visitor experiences and supporting the local economies that rely on park tourism.
“The Biden-Harris administration has made historic bipartisan investments to restore and enhance national parks across our nation,” Secretary Haaland explained. “This report illustrates the significant economic benefits national parks provide to nearby communities and the U.S. economy, and the value of our work to safeguard these public lands in the wake of the climate crisis, upgrade visitor experiences and invest in park infrastructure and staff.”
National Park Service Director Chuck Sams echoed this sentiment, expressing pride in the lasting impact of the parks and the positive contributions of visitors to communities nationwide.
“And I’m just as proud to see those visitors making positive impacts of their own, by supporting local economies and jobs in every state in the country,” Sams noted.
This year’s report also benefits from improved socioeconomic survey data, which has enhanced the accuracy of spending estimates. The interactive tool available online allows users to explore trends and detailed economic effects by sector, offering a comprehensive view of the financial benefits generated by national parks.
