Independence Park Equals Big Bucks For Philadelphia's Economy, Reports Says
PHILADELPHIA (CBS) -- Independence National Historic Park brings $365-million and almost 4,000 jobs to Philadelphia's economy. That's according to a new report from the National Park Service.
The figures got tourism week off to a good start.
A motley group gathered on Independence Mall to kick off tourism week -- from Ben Franklin and Rocky Balboa look-alikes to the actual Mayor Jim Kenney.
"This period of time, from now through the fall, is extremely important to our city," Kenney said. "Many, many thousands and thousands of people visiting Philadelphia, having a great time and we're going to have a real nice party all summer long."
Independence Park, alone, drew 4.3 million people last year, according to a new report, which estimates they spent $247-million in nearby neighborhoods.
Superintendent Cynthia McLeod says it's a great side effect of the Park's primary mission -- preserving history.
"This is great news for our country," McLeod said. "The places are really valued by people around the country and really around the world."