News Release
NPS / Kelsey Graczyk
News Release Date: September 4, 2024
Contact: NCR_Communications@nps.gov
WASHINGTON— A new report from the National Park Service (NPS) shows that in 2023, more than 56.2 million visitors to national parks in the Washington metropolitan area spent an estimated $1.5 billion. This visitor spending supported nearly 16,000 jobs and generated a total economic impact of nearly $2 billion in the region. The Washington metropolitan area includes all national parks in Washington, D.C., as well as several national parks in Maryland, Virginia, and West Virginia.
“I’m so proud that our parks and the stories we tell make a lasting impact on more than 300 million visitors a year,” said National Park Service Director Chuck Sams. “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.”
Compared to 2022, the Washington metropolitan area experienced significant growth, with 2.1 million more visitors, $224 million more in spending, nearly 2,700 additional jobs supported, and a $337 million increase in total economic output.
“The Washington metropolitan area is a nexus of our nation’s governance and history, interspersed with hundreds of national park areas. We appreciate that more than 2 million visitors enjoyed our iconic monuments and parks in 2023, highlighting the value of our parks and the dedication of our staff, partners and volunteers,” said acting NPS National Capital Regional Director Lisa Mendelson.
The National Park Service report, 2023 National Park Visitor Spending Effects, finds that 325.5 million visitors spent $26.4 billion in communities near national parks. This spending supported 415,400 jobs, provided $19.4 billion in labor income and $55.6 in economic output to the U.S. economy. The lodging sector had the highest direct contributions with $9.9 billion in economic output and 89,200 jobs. The restaurants received the next greatest direct contributions with $5.2 billion in economic output and 68,600 jobs.
For more detailed data, visit this interactive tool to explore visitor spending and economic contributions by sector.
To learn more about national parks in the Washington metropolitan area and how the National Park Service works with communities to help preserve local history, conserve the environment, and provide outdoor recreation, go to Region 1: National Capital Region.
About the National Park Service. More than 20,000 National Park Service employees care for America’s 430+ national parks and work with communities across the nation to help preserve local history and create close-to-home recreational opportunities. Learn more at www.nps.gov, and on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and YouTube.
Last updated: September 4, 2024