Essex Heritage is pleased to announce the publication of an independent evaluation of the organization’s economic impact conducted by nationally-recognized consulting firm TrippUmbach. The report, funded by the National Park Service Heritage Partnership Program, found that Essex Heritage:
- Generates $153.8 million annually
- Supports 1,832 jobs
- Generates $14.3 million in tax revenue
This economic benefit, according to the evaluation, comes primarily from increased regional tourism and is further bolstered by operational expenditures and grant-making. The report concludes:
- It is an economic fact that the longer a visitor stays, the greater the economic benefit to the region
- Essex Heritage works in partnership with the regional tourism council…to entice tourists to stay longer and experience the whole count
- Through multiple public-private partnerships, Essex Heritage supports historic preservation, natural resource conservation, recreation, heritage tourism, and educational projects
- Essex Heritage has helped to create a network of businesses that benefit from the mutual, cooperative pooling of marketing and visitor programs, where the whole benefits the sum of the parts
“Cultural tourism, trail development, scenic byways, historic preservation and place-based education are not just feel good and popular community programs. They also have a substantial impact on the region’s economy,” said Annie C. Harris, Essex Heritage CEO.
Further information on the economic impact of the Essex National Heritage Area as well as a full downloadable version of the report can be found on our Accomplishments page.
