In what might be the ultimate example of the economic trickle-down effect, some of the dollars forked over by Blue Ridge Parkway visitors are descending from the mountain to areas including Mount Airy.
And this is occurring in a big way, according to a new National Park Service report listing nearly $1.4 billion being spent in communities near the parkway by those traversing the scenic roadway.
This report was for 2023, which showed that the parkway greeted 16,757,635 unique visitors during the year. Both visitation and spending increased from 2022 figures.
When employment is figured into the equation, the economic impact to nearby communities as a result of Blue Ridge Parkway spending is even greater, with 19,159 related jobs listed in those areas for 2023.
This resulted in a cumulative benefit last year to the local economies along its route of $1.8 billion.
Local “economic driver”
Jessica Roberts, executive director of the Mount Airy Tourism Development Authority and Tourism Partnership of Surry County, is well aware of the scenic highway’s value locally.
“The Blue Ridge Parkway continues to be a main economic driver for tourism to Mount Airy and Surry County,” Roberts commented in reaction to the latest breakdown.
“Due to our proximity near the Blue Ridge Parkway and status as a gateway community, we have naturally become a central hub for travelers exploring the parkway in both directions,” she added.
“While visitors are initially drawn by the parkway’s scenic beauty, they frequently extend their stay to explore our town’s rich history and distinctive charm.”
That, of course, includes the Mayberry-related attractions that are unique to Mount Airy.
This city is a 14-mile, 20-minute jaunt down the mountain from the parkway’s exit at U.S. 52 in Fancy Gap, Virginia, with many travelers invariably finding their way to town for ample lodging, dining, retail and other opportunities.
Roberts pointed out that Surry County benefits greatly from the Blue Ridge Parkway’s distinction as the most-visited national park installation during 2023.
“This has significantly contributed to the growth of our local tourism industry,” she observed regarding its continuing popularity.
That is perhaps fitting, since construction on the 469-mile scenic highway began near Lowgap 89 years ago this month as a massive public works project.
“The 2023 visitor spending report is a reminder of the important relationship between the historic 469-mile parkway, the numerous communities (it) passes through and park visitors,” Parkway Superintendent Tracy Swartout said in a statement.
“The report also reinforces the importance of several generation-defining infrastructure investments at work on the parkway as a result of the Great American Outdoors Act,” Swartout continued.
“Our ability to care for these special places is strongly linked to the vitality of local economies of present and future generations — simply put, America’s national parks continue to be great investments.”
Bottomley a plus
Roberts, the local tourism official, mentioned that Surry County’s economic impact from the scenic highway is boosted by the presence of a Blue Ridge Parkway Association leader in its midst.
That association is the official marketing partner of the Blue Ridge Parkway.
While the association’s corporate office is in Asheville, Lisa Bottomley, its executive director, resides in the heart of the Blue Ridge Parkway near the North Carolina and Virginia parkway access points, Roberts related.
“She is committed to working across state lines to provide traveler information to visitors to the region and to support the promotion of local communities.”
The Blue Ridge Parkway Association not only attracts visitors, but promotes member businesses and communities along the parkway which meet travel and recreational needs, so visitors have the best experience possible, according to Roberts.
They use its resources to find dining, lodging, shopping, recreation and entertainment venues during their parkway travels, she advised.
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