Shenandoah National Park attracted 1.5 million visitors in 2023, contributing $114 million to the local economy, according to a National Park Service (NPS) report. The spending supported 1,351 jobs in the surrounding communities and generated a total economic benefit of $156 million.
The NPS Director Chuck Sams emphasized the significant role national parks play in benefiting both visitors and local economies. “I’m so proud that our parks and the stories we tell make a lasting impact on more than 300 million visitors a year,” Sams said. “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.”
According to a press release, Acting Superintendent Cynthia Sirk-Fear reiterated Shenandoah’s contribution to the area’s economy, noting that the park fosters a connection with its neighboring communities. “Visitors to Shenandoah National Park come seeking opportunities to learn, recreate, relax, and to build community,” Sirk-Fear said. “We’re proud that Shenandoah contributes so much every year to the local economies of our communities. These are our friends and neighbors.”
The 2023 National Park Visitor Spending Effects report from the NPS also highlighted the economic impact of national parks across the U.S. Last year, 325.5 million visitors spent $26.4 billion in communities near national parks, supporting 415,400 jobs nationwide. This spending contributed $55.6 billion in economic output to the U.S. economy.
The lodging sector emerged as the top contributor, with $9.9 billion in economic output and 89,200 jobs created. The restaurant sector followed closely, generating $5.2 billion in economic output and 68,600 jobs.
An interactive tool has been made available by the NPS, enabling users to explore visitor spending, jobs, labor income, and economic contributions at the national, state, and local levels. This tool allows for the analysis of year-by-year trends and offers a detailed look at the economic impact of national parks.
