Press release from the Blue Ridge National Heritage Area Partnership:
Economic Impact Study Shows Strength of Heritage Tourism in Western North Carolina
An economic impact study commissioned by the Blue Ridge National Heritage Area Partnership (BRNHA) showed that heritage tourism contributes $2.39 billion to the economy of Western North Carolina, supporting more than 30,000 jobs and generating $176.5 million in state and local tax revenue.
“Heritage tourism supports the sustainability of our region’s parks, forests, waterways, historic sites, and cultural traditions,” said Angie Chandler, Executive Director of the BRNHA Partnership, “The study shows the preservation and continued support of these natural and cultural assets are vital to the economies of 25 counties within North Carolina’s mountains and foothills region.”
The twenty sites and events that were selected to be part of this study reflect the geographic diversity of the region, have reliable annual visitor counts, and represent the five heritage legacies of BRNHA – agriculture, Cherokee heritage, craft, traditional music, and natural heritage. Participating partner organizations included: Asheville Art Museum, Biltmore Estate, Blue Ridge Parkway, Carl Sandburg Home National Historic Site, Chimney Rock at Chimney Rock State Park, Cradle of Forestry, Craft Fair of the Southern Highlands, Grandfather Mountain, Great Smoky Mountains National Park, John C. Campbell Folk School, MerleFest, Mount Airy Museum of Regional History, Nantahala Outdoor Center, North Carolina Arboretum, Oconaluftee Indian Village, Penland School of Crafts, Stecoah Valley Cultural Arts Center, Tweetsie Railroad, Unto These Hills Outdoor Drama, and Wilkes Heritage Museum.
Conducted by David Primm of Primm Research, Pittsburgh, PA, the study and analysis followed methodologies used in economic impact studies for National Park Service entities and other National Heritage Areas. Data collection was coordinated and managed by Chris Cavanaugh of Magellan Strategy Group, Asheville, NC.
Read the full report at http://www.blueridgeheritage.com/partners/research2.
The Blue Ridge National Heritage Area, designated by Congress and the President in November, 2003, works to protect, preserve, interpret, and develop the unique natural, historical, and cultural resources of Western North Carolina for the benefit of present and future generations, and in so doing to stimulate improved economic opportunity in the region. National Heritage Areas are locally-governed institutions that encourage residents, non-profit groups, government agencies, and private partners to work together in planning and implementing programs that preserve and celebrate America’s defining landscapes.
The views and conclusions contained in this news release are those of the authors and should not be interpreted as representing the opinions or policies of the U.S. Government. Mention of trade names or commercial products does not constitute their endorsement by the U.S. Government.
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