A new report from the National Park Service (NPS) highlights the powerful impact tourism has on the Big Bend region. In 2024 alone, the park welcomed more than 561,000 visitors, whose spending in nearby communities totaled $56.8 million.
That visitor spending supported 585 local jobs, generating $17.3 million in labor income, $34.4 million in value added, and a total of $63.7 million in economic output for gateway towns surrounding the park.
“People come to Big Bend National Park to enjoy the Chihuahuan Desert, the Chisos Mountains, and the Rio Grande — and they end up supporting the U.S. and local economies along the way,” said acting Superintendent Rick Gupman.
Local and National Impact
The data comes from the 2024 National Park Visitor Spending Effects report, which measures the economic influence of park tourism across the United States. Nationwide, visitors spent $29 billion in communities adjacent to national parks. That spending translated into $18.8 billion in labor income and $56.3 billion in economic output.
The report notes that lodging had the highest direct contributions, with $11.1 billion in economic output, followed by restaurants at $5.7 billion.
Big Bend’s Role in Texas Tourism
Big Bend National Park consistently ranks as one of Texas’ premier outdoor destinations. Its rugged landscapes, wildlife, and remote desert beauty draw travelers from across the globe — bringing vital tourism revenue to rural communities in Brewster and Presidio Counties.
Explore the Data
The NPS has released an interactive tool allowing the public to explore visitor spending impacts by park, state, and sector, as well as track trends over time.
NPS Photo
