In 2023, national parks welcomed approximately 325 million visitors, contributing an estimated $26.4 billion to the economy. This spending primarily took place in what the National Park Service (NPS) refers to as “local gateway regions” – towns and counties surrounding the parks where visitors frequently shop, dine, and stay overnight. Typically, these regions encompass all counties within a 60-mile radius of a park’s boundary, reinforcing the National Park Week economic impact by showcasing how tourism fuels local businesses.
When adjusted for inflation, visitor spending in 2023 reached its highest level in the past decade. The previous peak occurred in 2019, with expenditures totaling $25.03 billion. The National Park Week economic impact extends beyond awareness, it serves as a catalyst for highlighting the financial contributions of national parks, drawing public attention to their significance and supporting the tourism industry’s recovery.
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Overview of National Park Week
National Park Week 2025 is scheduled to take place from April 19 to April 27, offering a nine-day celebration of America’s national parks. The event kicks off with a free admission day on April 19, encouraging visitors to explore the natural and historical beauty of these protected areas without the barrier of entrance fees.
Throughout the week, a variety of activities and events will be held, including ranger-led tours, specialized workshops, photography contests, and citizen science initiatives. These events aim to foster a deeper understanding of the ecosystems and cultural significance of the national parks. For those unable to attend in person, digital experiences such as live-streamed Q&A sessions and virtual park tours will also be available.
The week serves as an opportunity for people to connect with nature, learn about conservation efforts, and explore the diverse landscapes preserved within the national park system. Additionally, visitors can participate in activities like guided walks, bird-watching excursions, and historical reenactments at various parks across the country.
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What is the economic contribution of national parks?
The National Park Service (NPS) categorizes visitor spending into eight key areas, reflecting the diverse ways tourism supports local economies. These categories include lodging at hotels, motels, and specialty accommodations; camping fees at both national and non-national parks; spending on gas, groceries, and local transportation; as well as expenditures on restaurants, retail shopping, and recreational activities such as equipment rentals and guided tours.
In 2023, lodging emerged as the largest spending category, with 37.5% of all visitor expenditures – totaling $9.9 billion – devoted to accommodations. Dining followed as the second-largest expense, making up 19.5% of visitor spending. Other major spending areas, including gas, recreation, and retail purchases, ranged from $2.1 billion to $2.8 billion each. The lowest expenditures were recorded for groceries ($1.7 billion) and camping fees ($560 million).
Beyond direct spending, the National Park Week economic impact extends to broader financial contributions, which the NPS measures through four key economic effects:
- Economic output: The total value of goods and services generated by visitor spending, encompassing both business-to-business and consumer sales.
- Value added to GDP: The contribution of visitor spending to regional GDP, calculated as the difference between a product’s selling price and production costs.
- Jobs: The full-time and part-time employment opportunities supported by tourism-related expenditures.
- Labor income: Wages, salaries, and benefits earned by employees and business owners as a result of park tourism.
In 2023, visitor spending added $32.0 billion to the GDP, demonstrating how national parks serve as a major economic engine. These effects can be categorized as either direct or secondary.
Direct effects stem from visitor transactions within local economies, such as dining at restaurants or purchasing souvenirs. In 2023, direct spending contributed $13.94 billion (43.5%) to local GDPs. Meanwhile, secondary effects, which occur when employees of tourism-supported businesses reinvest their earnings into their communities, accounted for 56.6% of the total impact, or approximately $18.09 billion.
The National Park Week economic impact further highlights how these contributions extend beyond tourism alone, fueling job creation, business sustainability, and overall economic resilience in gateway communities. By drawing attention to these benefits, National Park Week underscores the essential role of parks in both regional and national economic growth.
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Which parks bring in the most visitor revenue?
In 2023, Great Smoky Mountains National Park led all national parks in visitor spending, with an impressive $2.2 billion flowing into the local economy. It was the only park where expenditures surpassed the $2 billion mark, highlighting its immense popularity and economic significance.
Two other sites also saw visitor spending exceed $1 billion – Golden Gate National Recreation Area, which brought in $1.5 billion, and Blue Ridge Parkway, generating $1.4 billion. These destinations serve as major economic hubs, drawing millions of tourists who contribute to surrounding businesses.
Among the remaining national parks with the highest visitor spending, amounts ranged from $559.4 million to $768.4 million, reinforcing the broader National Park Week economic impact. This annual event sheds light on how national parks drive tourism-driven revenue, support local jobs, and sustain regional economies, further proving their vital role in economic development.
What is the role of National Park Week in boosting the economy?
National Park Week economic impact plays a crucial role in stimulating the economy by increasing visitor engagement, promoting tourism, and supporting local businesses. Held annually in the United States, this week-long celebration encourages people to explore national parks through special events, free entry days, and educational programs. By drawing a surge of visitors, National Park Week economic impact is evident in the rise of spending on accommodations, dining, transportation, and recreational activities in surrounding communities.
Small businesses, including hotels, restaurants, tour operators, and souvenir shops, benefit directly from the influx of tourists. Additionally, the event raises awareness about the economic and environmental value of national parks, encouraging long-term visitation and sustainable tourism. Increased foot traffic during this period also helps create seasonal jobs and supports park maintenance efforts. Ultimately, National Park Week serves as a strategic initiative to boost local economies while fostering appreciation for the country’s natural and cultural heritage.
How do national parks support employment?
In 2023, local economies benefitting from national park tourism supported approximately 415,400 jobs, collectively generating $19.4 billion in wages and salaries. These employment opportunities spanned various sectors, including hospitality, retail, and recreation, demonstrating the far-reaching impact of visitor spending.
Among all states, California led with 39,700 jobs tied to national park tourism, while North Carolina followed closely with 38,800. These figures highlight the substantial role that national parks play in regional job creation, particularly in states with high visitor traffic. The National Park Week economic impact brings attention to this employment boost, reinforcing how tourism-driven jobs contribute to economic stability in gateway communities.
Nearly 60% of these positions were direct jobs, such as roles in hotels, restaurants, and tour operations that serve park visitors. The remaining 40% were secondary effect jobs, created as a result of economic activity generated by direct employment. For instance, a tour guide who leads visitors through a park (a direct job) spends earnings at a local café, indirectly supporting a barista’s job (a secondary effect job). This cycle of reinvestment strengthens local economies, showcasing how the National Park Week economic impact extends beyond tourism and fuels sustainable economic growth.
>> Read More: National Park Week Events 2025: A Complete Guide
Conclusion
The National Park Week economic impact extends far beyond park boundaries, supporting local businesses, creating jobs, and driving tourism revenue. As we continue to appreciate and explore these natural treasures, we also contribute to their sustainability and economic vitality. So, whether you’re planning a visit or supporting from afar, your participation helps ensure that national parks remain a thriving part of our economy for generations to come.
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