Yosemite Economic Report Released

The National Park Service has released a new report analyzing the positive economic effects of the national parks on the US economy. According to the report, Yosemite National Park had more than four million visitors in 2010, and those visitors spent a total of $354.7 million in the park and the surrounding areas. The spending by visitors supported the employment of more than 4,600 people. These numbers show that Yosemite is a huge economic boon to the area, and that the national parks are only getting more popular. The report also states that about 52% of the money spent in and near the park was spent on food and lodging. The next biggest chunk of spending  was on retail -- clothes, gifts, etc. -- at 29%. 10% of the money was spent on entertainment and amusements, 7% on local transportation, and 2% on groceries. Across the country, $12 billion was spent in the country's 394 national parks in 2010. That money was spent by a total of over 281 million visitors. All in all, visitor spending at national parks contributed $31 billion to the national economy and supported over 258,000 jobs. Those figures reflect a $689 million increase over 2009 as well as an additional 11,500 jobs. Clearly people are not getting tired of visiting the national parks, a great option for a family vacation when money is tight as well when it isn't. Download the full report here to learn more about what the National Parks are doing to help the economy. Yosemite National Park is thriving because as the years roll by, the park remains a tremendous natural monument of our nation. The park is only becoming more popular, with more visitors heading to Yosemite every year to enjoy hiking, rock climbing, wildlife watching, cycling, photography tours, fishing, and much more. Don’t Miss Out – Make Yosemite Reservations Early The park is most popular during the summer months when kids are out of school, the weather is great, and a number of activities only available during the summer open up. If you're planning on visiting Yosemite this summer, be sure to make your Yosemite reservations as soon as possible. Yosemite accommodations are already filling up, and if you wait much longer, you might not be able to find anywhere at all to stay, let alone some place comfortable and affordable. So don't wait -- reserve your Yosemite lodging with Scenic Wonders now! Scenic Wonders offers cabin, condominium, and home rentals within the gates of Yosemite National Park. Our Yosemite accommodations include large houses and intimate condos. We have all the space you need, fully equipped kitchens in every home, and ample space to relax in. Our vacation homes offer great savings per square foot over Yosemite hotels. When you reserve your Yosemite lodging with Scenic Wonders, you'll get more for your money, and you'll have a better vacation because of it. Call 1-888-YOSEMITE (1-888-967-3648) to reserve your summer vacation rental today! Yosemite National Park Blog Our Yosemite National Park blog offers readers up-to-date news, information on park activities and also lodging suggestions. Photo credit: Randy Le'Moine Photography