WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.) announced the economic impact resulting from the redesignation of the New River Gorge National Park and Preserve. Specifically, the U.S. National Park Service’s (NPS) 2021 National Park Visitor Spending Effects report found that since the redesignation, visitor spending in communities near the Park and Preserve resulted in a $35.2 million benefit to the state’s economy and supported 1,090 jobs in West Virginia.
In 2021, nearly 1.7 million park visitors spent an estimated $82.6 million in local gateway regions while visiting the New River Gorge National Park and Preserve, with 88.1% of visitors from out-of-state.
“This report shows what we knew from the beginning: Redesignating the New River Gorge would be a game changer. This is exactly the type of impact I knew we could create when I began the redesignation process, and I couldn’t be more thrilled to see the results. West Virginia is truly a hidden gem, offering world-class recreational opportunities, breathtaking views, and kind people, and I’m so proud that we can share this with the world. Establishing the New River Gorge as our first-ever National Park and Preserve has clearly shown the world how wild and wonderful West Virginia is, and been incredibly effective in stimulating local economies and job growth. I’m grateful to the hardworking individuals who helped make this possible by working tirelessly to promote tourism and tell the true and complete story of West Virginia. This is just the beginning,” Senator Capito said.
"The growth of West Virginia's tourism industry is absolutely incredible. These new numbers further prove what I've been saying for years -- tourism promotion works. The park designation has not only increased traveler spending but also elevated West Virginia's status as a national and international destination. It's been amazing to watch as the entire world has learned what we have all known for years: West Virginia is truly Almost Heaven," Governor Justice said. "Our deepest thanks for our Congressional delegation who gave us the honor of being known as home to the nation's newest national park."
BACKGROUND:
The New River Gorge National Park and Preserve was established through the New River Gorge National Park and Preserve Designation Act, legislation authored by Senator Capito and co-sponsored by Senator Joe Manchin (D-W.Va.), while Congresswoman Carol Miller (R-W.Va.-03) introduced the companion bill in the House. The legislation, which was signed into law on December 27, 2020, led to the redesignation of the New River Gorge National River as the New River Gorge National Park and Preserve. The redesignation has helped promote the beauty and historical significance of the New River Gorge by making the site just the 63rd National Park and 20th National Preserve in the United States, while ensuring that the longstanding traditions of hunting and fishing are protected for generations to come.
According to the NPS report, since the redesignation, visitor spending increased from $47.4 million to $82.6 million, a 74% increase, jobs increased from 665 to 1090, a 64% increase, and labor income increased from $18.4 million to $32.3 million, a 75% increase.
West Virginia and the New River Gorge National Park and Preserve have been nationally recognized as a top-tier tourism destination in 2022 by major travel publications such as Lonely Planet, TIME, Frommers, USA Today, and Condé Nast. West Virginia was the only destination in the world to receive these accolades from all five publications.
A breakdown of the economic output contributed to New River National Park and Preserve gateway economies included in the NPS 2021 National Park Visitor Spending Effects report.
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