Good news for anyone considering a vacation this summer: Tourism is good for the economy.
That was part of the message from Secretary of the Interior Ken Salazar during a recent announcement that National Parks nationwide are waiving entry fees on three weekends this summer.
“National Parks also serve as powerful economic engines for local communities and we hope that promoting visitation will give a small shot in the arm to businesses in the area,” he said.
“Tourism income helps America’s economic recovery,” Salazar said. “National park sites in the Great Lakes states, for example, attract 8 million recreation visits a year that bring $211 million into the local economies. Spending by visitors from out of the area supports 4,400 local jobs. So these areas need to maintain and expand this vital tourism.”
No word on whether business trips to Las Vegas also help the economy. Chances are they do.