National Park Service Tonto National Monument U.S. Department of the Interior 26260 N. AZ Hwy. 188, Lot 2 Roosevelt, AZ 85545 928-467-2241 phone www.nps.gov/tont Tonto National Monument News Release Release date: Immediate Contact: Hilary Clark Phone number: (928) 467-2241 Email:
[email protected] Date: April 28, 2017 Tourism to Tonto National Monument Creates 3, 155,800 in Economic Benefits Report shows visitor spending supports 33 jobs in local economy Roosevelt, AZ – A new National Park Service (NPS) report shows that in 2016, 38,048 visitors to Tonto National Monument spent $2, 224,600 in communities near the park. This visitor spending supported 33 jobs in the local area and had a cumulative benefit to the local economy of $3,155,800. “Tonto National Monument welcomes our local visitors and others from around the world,” said Superintendent Duane Hubbard. “We are delighted to share the story of Salado cliff dwellings and prehistoric artifacts that have been preserved for over 700 years. National park tourism is a significant driver in the national economy, returning more than $10 for every $1 invested in the National Park Service, and it’s a big factor in the Gila County economy as well. We appreciate the partnership and support of our neighbors and are glad to be able to give back by helping to sustain local communities.” The peer-reviewed visitor spending analysis was conducted by economists Catherine Cullinane Thomas of the U.S. Geological Survey and Lynne Koontz of the National Park Service. The report shows $18.4 billion of direct spending by 331 million park visitors in communities within 60 miles of a national park.