Report shows visitor spending supports 50 jobs in local economy

Stillwater, NY – A new National Park Service (NPS) report shows that 58,772 visitors to Saratoga National Historical Park (known locally as the Battlefield) in 2014 spent $3,296,000 in communities near the park. That spending supported 50 jobs in the local area and had a cumulative benefit to the local economy of $4,168,300.

“Saratoga National Historical Park welcomes visitors from across the country and around the world,” said Superintendent Joe Finan. “We are honored to share the story of this park and the experiences it provides. We also take great pride to introduce our visitors to our entire region and all its offerings.  National park tourism is a significant driver in the national economy, returning $10 for every $1 invested in the National Park Service, and it’s a big factor in our local economy as well. We appreciate the partnership and support of our partners and neighbors, and are glad to be able to give back by helping to sustain local communities.”

The peer-reviewed visitor spending analysis was conducted by U.S. Geological Survey economists Catherine Cullinane Thomas and Christopher Huber and National Park Service economist Lynne Koontz.  The report shows $15.7 billion of direct spending by 292.8 million park visitors in communities within 60 miles of a national park. This spending supported 277,000 jobs nationally; 235,600 of those jobs are found in these gateway communities. The cumulative benefit to the U.S. economy was $29.7 billion.

According to the 2014 report http://www.nature.nps.gov/socialscience/economics.cfm, most park visitor spending was for lodging (30.6 percent) followed by food and beverages (20.3 percent), gas and oil (11.9 percent), admissions and fees (10.2 percent) and souvenirs (9.9 percent). The report includes information for visitor spending at individual parks and by state.

To learn more about national parks in New York State (NYS) and how the National Park Service works with NYS communities to help preserve local history, conserve the environment, and provide outdoor recreation, go tohttp://www.nps.gov/state/ny/index.htm  For more information about Saratoga National Historical Park, please call 518.670.2985 or visit our website www.nps.gov/sara  or our social media feeds, Facebook: @SaratogaNHP  or Twitter: #SaratogaNHP