The allure of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park reverberates well beyond its picturesque vistas and winding trails, as a recent report emphasizes its substantial fiscal impact on the neighboring East Tennessee economy. In numbers that could make a bean counter swoon, over 13 million earth-treaders graced the park in 2023, dropping a cool $2.2 billion in local coffers, detailed in an economic revelation by the National Park Service. This financial influx has been a boon for community pockets, supporting north of 33,000 jobs and contributing to a cumulative economic benefit of $3.4 billion, as reported by WVLT-TV.
"People come to Great Smoky Mountains National Park to enjoy the scenic beauty and end up supporting local economies along the way," Superintendent Cassius Cash mentioned in a news release, indicating a relationship between natural grandeur and economic growth as seamless as the park's waterfalls, WVLT-TV reports.
National Park Service Director Chuck Sams shared his pride in a statement cited by WVLT-TV: "I’m so proud that our parks and the stories we tell make a lasting impact on more than 300 million visitors a year." Sams continued, "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." Aligning with this national narrative, visitors to all national parks spent a staggering $26.4 billion in nearby communities, a testament to the ripple effect of nature-based tourism across the entire United States.
Zooming out to a national scale, the report painted a portrait of prosperity, with 325.5 million visitors forking out $26.4 billion across the proximity of national parks. This nationwide expenditure ousted previous years' spending and bolstered a workforce army of 415,400 jobs, as reported by WATE News. Notably, the Smokies' visitor spending eclipsed that of juggernauts such as the Grand Canyon and Yellowstone, according to data released by the National Park Service and cited by WBIR. Lodging and food services feasted on the lion’s share of this sprawling pendant.
The Great Smoky Mountains National Park is a significant economic driver for East Tennessee. In 2023, the park showed how important it is for nature, local businesses, and jobs. You can check out detailed data online if you're curious about the park's economic impact. It's incredible that activities like hiking or wildlife watching help boost the local economy, keeping businesses busy and people employed.
