NC National Parks generate $2.48 Billion in economic impact
According to the National Park Service (NPS) Monday, a new report shows North Carolina welcomed 20 million visitors in 2022, who spent $2.48 billion in the state.
The visitors' spending created 37,485 jobs and had a cumulative benefit of $3.96 billion to the state economy.
"Since 1916, the National Park Service has been entrusted with the care of our national parks," National Park Service Director Chuck Sams said. "With the help of volunteers and partners, we safeguard these special places and share their stories with more than 300 million visitors every year."
Sams said that the impact of tourism on national parks is undeniable. Tourism brings jobs and revenue to communities in every state, making national parks an essential driver to the national economy.
"Visitors to national parks in North Carolina spent $2.48 billion and supported nearly 40,000 jobs in local communities last year," said Mark Foust, regional director National Park Service. "From sacred spaces to wild adventures, every park in the state and across the Southeast region offers a chance to experience America’s heritage uniquely."
The national park system in North Carolina includes 10 sites:
- Appalachian National Scenic Trail
- the Blue Ridge Parkway
- Cape Hatteras National Seashore
- Cape Lookout National Seashore
- the Carl Sandburg Home National Historic Site
- Fort Raleigh National Historic Site
- Great Smoky Mountains National Park
- Guilford Courthouse National Military Park
- Moores Creek National Battlefield
- Overmountain Victory National Historic Trail
- Trail of Tears National Historic Trail
- Wright Brothers National Memorial
