Natural Bridges National Monument , Utah |
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NATIONAL PARK SERVICE |
Support from the tourism industry
The tourism industry also took part in
the centennial commemoration in a
variety of ways . Operators , packagers
and outfitters highlighted national parks
and NPS programs in their tour products
and itineraries , while destinations supported
the celebration with digital and
social media promotion , sponsorship of
special events and advocacy .
Tourism Cares sponsored a highly
successful yearlong volunteer program
that generated 5,000 hours of
volunteer time , valued at $ 117,000 ,
to five parks and gateway communities
. Volunteerism , philanthropy and
advocacy are vital supporting elements
for the long-term sustainability of the
national parks , and the tourism industry
enthusiastically demonstrated its
support during the centennial .
Looking ahead
The centennial leaves a legacy for
the National Park Service that continues
beyond 2016 . Initiatives started
in 2015 and 2016 will continue to
develop , including Every Kid in a Park ,
Centennial Challenge projects , new and
improved facilities , and the NPS Urban
Agenda . The National Park Service and
National Park Foundation will build on
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the public-private partnerships created and strengthened during the centennial to leverage more public and private support for parks and NPS programs .
The National Park Service Centennial Act , passed in December 2016 , will provide new tools , revenue and systems that will help the NPS meet the challenges of its second century . Among its many provisions , the bill establishes an endowment fund with the National Park Foundation to support projects and activities in service of the NPS mission . The Find Your Park movement will continue to engage new audiences , and the travel industry is welcome to partner with the National Park Service to continue the momentum in 2017 and beyond . The National Park Service and its partners invite the public to explore new parks , build personal connections to remarkable places across the country and find ways to help ensure that future generations are able to experience America ’ s treasures .
Donald Leadbetter is national tourism program manager for the National Park Service . He spoke to NTA members at the Government Relations Breakfast Bistro during Travel Exchange in St . Louis . For more information about the agency and its programs , visit nps . gov .
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