National Parks Bring in Bucks for State of NH

A new National Park Service (NPS) report shows that 33,663 visitors to national parks in New Hampshire spent $1.5 million and supported 27 jobs in the state in 2012.
 
“The national park in New Hampshire attracts visitors from throughout the region,” said Mike Caldwell, NPS Northeast regional director. “Whether they are out for an afternoon, a school field trip, or a family vacation, visitors come to have a great experience, and end up spending a little money along the way. This new report shows that national park tourism is a significant driver in the national economy - returning $10 for every $1 invested in the National Park Service - and a big factor in our state’s economy as well, a result we can all support.”
 
New Hampshire is home to Saint-Gaudens National Historic Site.
 
The peer-reviewed visitor spending analysis was conducted by U.S. Geological Survey economists Catherine Cullinane Thomas and Christopher Huber and Lynne Koontz for the National Park Service. The report shows $14.7 billion of direct spending by 283 million park visitors in communities within 60 miles of a national park. This spending supported 243,000 jobs nationally, with 201,000 jobs found in these gateway communities, and had a cumulative benefit to the U.S. economy of $26.75 billion.
 
According to the report most visitor spending supports jobs in restaurants, grocery and convenience stores (39 percent), hotels, motels and B&Bs (27 percent), and other amusement and recreation (20 percent).
 
To learn more about national park resources in NH and how the National Park Service works with communities to help preserve local history, conserve the environment, and provide outdoor recreation, visit www.nps.gov/NEW HAMPSHIRE.