Tourism to Channel Islands National Park contributes $24.9 million to local economy

A new National Park Service report shows that 263 thousand visitors to Channel Islands National Park in 2024 spent $17.7 million in communities near the park. That spending had a cumulative benefit to the local economy of $24.9 million.

"People come to Channel Islands National Park to enjoy the unique wealth of natural and cultural resources found on the park islands and the surrounding waters as well as experience a world apart from the mainland. Along the way, visitors spend time and money which supports both national and local economies." said Superintendent Ethan McKinley. "We're proud Channel Islands National Park generates $24.9 million in economic output to our wonderful gateway communities."

The National Park Service report, 2024 National Park Visitor Spending Effects, finds that visitors spent $29 billion within 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.

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