Ten years after its
designation by Congress and the president in November 2003, the Blue Ridge
National Heritage Area announced that heritage tourism contributes more than
$2.4 billion to the regional economy.
Blue Ridge National
Heritage Area Executive Director Angie Chandler released preliminary results
from an economic impact study at the organization’s annual meeting earlier this
month. The $2.4 billion generated by heritage tourism in turn contributes over
$182 million in tax revenue to local and state governments, and the economic
activity supports 31,000 jobs, the study found.
The Blue Ridge National
Heritage Area commissioned the study earlier this year to assess the economic
contribution of the region’s heritage assets and the work of the 10-year-old organization.
Consultant David Primm and Chris Cavanaugh of Magellan Strategies conducted the
study.
“In addition to our
program of work, the BRNHA recognizes that evaluation and measurement is an
ongoing process,” Chandler said in a statement. “In a time of shrinking public
investment, it is important to assess and demonstrate the success of what we do.”
The BRNHA was designated
in recognition of the unique character, culture and natural beauty of the Blue
Ridge Mountains and foothills in Western
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