Spending near national parks in southern W.Va. jumps by 9 percent

GLEN JEAN, W.Va. – The National Park Service reports that in 2023, more than 1,900,000 visitors spent 96.5 million dollars in communities near the three national park areas in southern West Virginia.

Their spending supported 1,268 jobs in the area and had a cumulative benefit to the local economy of 116.5 million dollars, according to Charles Sellars, superintendent of the parks—the Bluestone National Scenic River, the Gauley River National Recreation Area, and the New River Gorge National Park and Preserve are located.

“We are pleased and proud that our three national park sites have been a part of what is a larger trend by supporting additional revenue into our local counties, and since we are now a national destination, most likely West Virginia counties and other states that are en route to us,” Sellars announced.

Spending increased nine percent over 2022 in the region adjoining the parks, and jobs increased 10 percent, he said.

The New River Gorge National Park and Preserve was the most visited of all three sites and had the highest visitor spending at 86.1 million dollars. The top four sectors include lodging (27 percent), restaurants (22 percent), gas (17 percent) and groceries (14 percent).

For jobs supported, the top four sectors include restaurants (25 percent), lodging (22 percent), recreation (10 percent), and retail (7 percent).

According to the report, elsewhere in West Virginia, economic impacts have nearly doubled in communities surrounding Harpers Ferry National Historical Park over the last decade.

According to the park service report, 2023 National Park Visitor Spending Effects, 325.5 million visitors spent $26.4 billion in communities near national parks, supporting 415,400 jobs, providing $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.

An interactive tool explores visitor spending, jobs, labor income, and total economic contribution by sector for national, state, and local economies. Users can also view year-by-year trend data. The interactive tool and report are available on the NPS website.

To learn more about national parks in West Virginia and how the National Park Service works with West Virginia communities to help preserve local history, conserve the environment, and provide outdoor recreation, go to www.nps.gov/westvirginia.

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