EVERSON, PA — A recently published report by the National Park Service highlights the significant economic contributions made by tourism to the Hopewell Furnace National Historic Site in 2023. According to the findings, 54,000 visitors injected $3.6 million into the surrounding communities, directly supporting 51 local jobs and creating a total economic benefit of $5.8 million.
The influx of tourists not only aids local businesses but also enhances the region’s cultural understanding. Visitors come to learn about America’s early industrial era, experiencing the stories of craftsmen and their families. This educational tourism also reinforces economic stability by bolstering local employment and commerce.
Superintendent Rosalyn Fennell expressed pride in the dual impact of the park: fostering historical appreciation while driving economic growth. “We’re proud that visitors’ revenue makes its way back to the local communities that support the park,” she noted.
Nationally, the report reveals that 325.5 million park visitors spent $26.4 billion in nearby communities, supporting over 415,000 jobs. The hospitality sector saw the highest gains, with $9.9 billion in economic output from lodging alone. This data underscores the importance of parks as economic engines, contributing significantly to both local and national economies.
The Hopewell Furnace’s success story emphasizes the broader value of national parks in sustaining community livelihoods and preserving cultural heritage. As tourism continues to thrive, it remains a vital component of economic health and cultural enrichment.
An interactive tool is available to explore 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.
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