Virginia Gov. Ralph Northam announced Feb. 27 that Virginia State Parks helped stimulate more than $226 million in visitor spending in 2017, including $104 million by out-of-state visitors.
“With more than 10 million visitors in 2017, Virginia State Parks helped support approximately 3,500 jobs in communities across Virginia,” said Governor Northam. “From seasonal staff and park rangers, to restaurants, campgrounds, outfitters, convenience stores, specialty shops and other local businesses, state parks remain an important economic engine that influences every aspect of the Commonwealth. I am pleased visitors are recognizing all the natural beauty Virginia has to offer, and I look forward to welcoming more of them to our great Commonwealth.”
According to fairfaxtimes.com, the data comes from economic impact research compiled by the Virginia Tech Pamplin College of Business as part of an ongoing partnership with the Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation, the agency that manages Virginia state parks.
“These results show once again that protecting Virginia’s natural landscapes and growing Virginia’s economy go hand in hand,” said Secretary of Natural Resources Matt Strickler. “Governor Northam and I are committed to promoting the Commonwealth as a top outdoor recreation destination, and our state parks are a cornerstone of that strategy.”
According to the report, in 2017, for every $1 of general tax revenue provided, $13.08 on average was generated from Virginia State Parks. In the same year, state parks hosted more than a million overnight visitors in a cabin or campground. These economic findings are based on state park economic research that is continually refined.
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