New analysis shows 36% increase in Acadia visitor spending

Photo / David Clough A report using new data collection methods says 3,537,575 visits to Acadia generated $387.7 million in the state in 2018.

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By Staff

A new data collection method shows a 36.3% increase in estimated spending by visitors to Acadia National Park.

The National Park Service’s “2018 Visitor Spending Effects” analysis was part of a pilot project to develop long-term, scientific monitoring and collection of visitor data, during peak season, at Acadia and 18 other national parks, according to a May 28 news release.

Previous spending estimates for Acadia were calculated by using generalized visitor spending data from other parks in the national park system.

The new survey data show that people spent more time in Acadia, stayed longer in gateway communities and spent more money during their visit.

The updated data contributed to a 36.3% increase in visitor spending estimates for Acadia this year. The new data accounts for 32% of this increase. The rest is due to inflation and increased park visitation.

The updated visitor spending survey is deemed to improve accuracy of economic benefit estimates, according to the release.

Overall, the report says that 3,537,575 visits to Acadia generated $387.7 million in the spending in 2018. That spending resulted in 5,602 jobs and had a cumulative benefit to the state economy of $521.5 million.

Acadia ranks No. 7 in visitation among national parks. It is led by Superintendent Kevin Schneider.

Nationally, national park tourism returns $10 for every $1 invested in the National Park Service,” Northeast Region Director Gay Vietzkes said in the release. The national park system’s cumulative benefit to the U.S. economy was $40.1 billion. Lodging expenses account for the largest share of visitor spending. That’s followed by food expenses at restaurants, bars, and grocery and convenience stores.