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Tourism to Booker T. Washington NM contributes $1.7 million to local economy

Great Smoky Mountains National Park announces selection of park concessioner to operate LeConte Lodge 

A recent report from the National Park Service (NPS) reveals that the Booker T. Washington National Monument (NM) had a significant economic impact on nearby communities in 2024. The monument, which attracted 24,200 visitors, saw these tourists spend a total of $1.7 million in the local area.

The visitor spending, which directly supported the local economy, is a testament to the value of the monument beyond its historical and cultural significance. The report underscores the importance of the monument as a driver of economic activity in the region.

The NPS report highlights the broader economic role played by national parks and monuments in the United States. As the data from the Booker T. Washington NM shows, these sites are not just important for their preservation of history and natural beauty, but also for their contribution to local economies.

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