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A new National Park Service (NPS) report shows that 1,094,668 visitors to Haleakalā National Park in 2012 spent over $64 million in communities near the park. That spending supported 736 jobs in the local area. "Haleakalā National Park is proud to welcome visitors from across the country and around the world," said Superintendent Natalie Gates. "We are delighted to share the story of this special place and the experiences it provides. National park tourism is a significant driver in the national economy – returning $10 for every $1 invested in the National Park Service - and it's a big factor in our local economy as well. We appreciate the partnership and support of our neighbors and are glad to be able to give back by helping to sustain local communities." The peer-reviewed visitor spending analysis was conducted by economists Lynne Koontz of the National Park Service, along with Catherine Cullinane Thomas and Christopher Huber of the U.S. Geological Survey. The report shows $14.7 billion was spent directly by 283 million national park visitors in communities within 60 miles of a park. This spending supported 243,000 jobs nationally, with 201,000 jobs found in gateway communities, and with 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 Bed & Breakfasts (27 percent); and other amusement and recreational businesses (20 percent). To download the report visit https://www.nature.nps.gov/socialscience/economics.cfm. The report includes information for visitor spending at individual parks and by state. You can also visit https://www.nps.gov/news/econ_b-roll.htm. To learn more about national parks in Hawaiʻi and how the National Park Service works with communities in Hawaiʻi to help preserve local history, conserve the environment, and provide outdoor recreation, go to www.nps.gov/hi. |
Last updated: February 28, 2015