Blue Ridge Parkway generates millions of tourists annually, which help grow the local economy. | Pixabay
Blue Ridge Parkway generates millions of tourists annually, which help grow the local economy. | Pixabay
Blue Ridge Parkway raked in $1.1 billion from 14.9 million tourists in 2019, according to a National Park survey, resulting in supporting more than 16,300 jobs and helping local economies.
“Over the past several weeks, NPS [National Park Service] staff have been working hard to safely increase access to Blue Ridge Parkway, a unit of the National Park System which contributes to individual and collective physical and mental wellness,” Blue Ridge Parkway Superintendent J.D. Lee said, the Caldwell Journal reported on June 16. “We welcome visitors back to the park and are excited to share the story of this place and the experiences it provides. The parkway has a long history of connecting communities in our region and introducing our visitors to this part of the country and all that it offers.”
The local economies weren't the only jurisdictions to benefit from the Blue Ridge tourism, the Caldwell Journal reported. The U.S. economy benefited by $41.7 billion from tourists visiting National Parks as well.
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