Tourism to Mammoth Cave National Park contributes $73,238,000 to local economy

Contact: Molly Schroer, 270-758-2192

MAMMOTH CAVE, Ky. - A new National Park Service report shows that 747,042 visitors to Mammoth Cave National Park in 2024 spent $73,238,000 in communities near the park. That spending supported the local area.

"Mammoth Cave National Park is proud to be a powerful economic engine for our region," said Superintendent Barclay Trimble. "Thanks to newly collected visitor data, we now have a clearer picture of just how much our visitors contribute to local communities-over $73 million in 2024 alone. With more people staying longer and spending more in the area, it's evident that the park not only offers world-class natural and cultural experiences but also plays a vital role in supporting businesses throughout the region which help accommodate our visitors' needs."

The 2024 Visitor Spending Effects analysis incorporates newly available survey data at Mammoth Cave National Park that was collected as part of NPS socioeconomic monitoring. Previous spending estimates for Mammoth Cave National Park were calculated using generalized trip and spending data from other parks in the National Park System. The new survey data revealed that visitors spend more time and money during their visit compared to the generalized data. Overall, the 2024 visitor spending estimates more accurately reflect local visitor spending patterns, as well as changes in inflation, economic conditions, and visitation. For more information, view the Visitor Spending Effects webpage.

The National Park Service report, 2024 National Park Visitor Spending Effects, finds that visitors spent $29 billion in communities near national parks. This spending provided $18.8 billion in labor income and $56.3 in economic output to the U.S. economy. The lodging sector had the highest direct contributions with $11.1 billion in economic output. Restaurants received the next greatest direct contributions with $5.7 billion in economic output.

An interactive tool is available to explore visitor spending, labor income, and total economic contribution by sector for national, state and local economies. Users can also view year-by-year trend data. The interactive tool and report are available on the NPS website.

To learn more about national parks in Kentucky and how the National Park Service works with Kentucky communities to help preserve local history, conserve the environment, and provide outdoor recreation, go to www.nps.gov/kentucky.

www.nps.gov/maca