08/27/2024 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 08/27/2024 10:50
SAN JUAN, PUERTO RICO - A new National Park Service report shows that 1,314,819 visitors to San Juan National Historic Site in 2023 spent $150,754,000 in communities near the park. That spending supported 1,752 jobs in the local area and had a cumulative benefit to the local economy of $226,888,000.
"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."
The 2023 visitor spending analysis incorporates newly available survey data for San Juan National Historic Site that was collected as part of NPS socioeconomic monitoring. Previous spending estimates for San Juan National Historic Site were calculated using generalized trip and spending data. The updated survey data finds that visitors are actually spending more time and money during their visit to San Juan National Historic Site compared to previous data. Overall, the 2023 visitor spending estimates more accurately reflect local visitor spending patterns as well as increases in visitation and associated costs. For more information visit our website. 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.
"Visitors to our parks do more than just enjoy the cultural and natural beauty-they play a vital role in boosting our local economy. Their support helps small businesses thrive, creates jobs, and strengthens our community. We are incredibly grateful for the positive impact our visitors have and are thankful that they are an essential part of our park's ongoing story," said Superintendent Myrna Palfrey. "To all our visitors, we deeply appreciate your visit and the support you've shown to our local economy. Your presence helps sustain our community, fostering growth and preserving the unique charm of our area. Thank you for making a difference!" added the Superintendent.
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. To learn more about national parks in Puerto Rico and how the National Park Service works with state name communities to help preserve local history, conserve the environment, and provide outdoor recreation, go toPuerto Rico (U.S. National Park Service) (nps.gov). nps.gov For specific information about these events or other events please find us in our social media platforms Facebook https://www.facebook.com/SanJuanNPS and Instagram: sanjuannps.San Juan National Historic Site (San Juan NHS) is comprised of Castillo San Felipe del Morro, Castillo San Cristóbal, Fort San Juan de La Cruz (El Cañuelo), Puerta de San Juan, Paseo del Morro, Plaza de la Rogativa and most of the city wall. The park is open every day except on Thanksgiving Day, Christmas, and New Year's. Hours of operation are 9:00 am to 5:00 pm.
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