Fort Vancouver National Historic Site brought in a record number of tourist dollars to the city of Vancouver last year, according to a new National Park Service report.
In 2022, more than 964,000 people visited the site and spent roughly $64 million in communities around the park, per the report.
“This data shows that in 2022 Fort Vancouver National Historic Site had its largest economic benefit since data has been recorded, and it reflects a steady recovery in economic benefit since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020,” park superintendent Tracy Fortmann said in a press release.
The statistics include the number of visitors to park grounds, the Pearson Air Museum, the visitor center and the McLoughlin House Unit in Oregon City, Ore.
According to economists with the National Park Service, tourists in 2022 supported 873 local jobs, mostly in the lodging and restaurant sectors.
The report shows that park visitors spent roughly $63.7 million in communities within a 60-mile radius of the park, leading to a cumulative benefit of $97.4 million for the economy of Southwest Washington.
Fort Vancouver offers year-round programs at its various historical attractions, including lectures, seasonal exhibits and presentations on geography, military history, Native American culture and more.
“We are proud to welcome visitors from around the country and around the world, while also providing a space for our local community to connect with history and outdoor recreation,” Fortmann stated in the press release.
