Celebrating a Centennial of National Parks: Americans are Flocking to Their Favorite Parks
https://us.vocuspr.com/Publish/519775/vcsPRAsset_519775_105650_6cedf1fd-d3b9-46aa-8c17-74c4c796a240_0.jpg Celebrating a Centennial of National Parks: Americans are Flocking to Their Favorite Parks AAA survey reveals national parks can expect to welcome more travelers in the year ahead The most Americans in recent years are heading to national parks in recognition of the U.S. National Park Service’s 100^th anniversary on Aug. 25. Visitation to the national parks reached an all-time high in 2015, with more than 307 million visitors, according to the National Park Service, and travelers can expect the parks to remain busy in the year ahead. According to a recent AAA survey, 79 percent of Americans say they are as likely (42 percent) or more likely (37 percent) to visit a national park in the next 12 months, building on the momentum of this year’s centennial celebrations. Locally, AAA East Central has found that Yellowstone National Park and the Grand Canyon are the most requested parks for a vacation package or a tour. Cuyahoga Valley National Park, located in Northeast Ohio is also a popular drive destination for East Central members looking to take advantage of the park’s numerous hiking trails. “The demand for national parks is off the charts this year, and it’s exciting to see that Americans are poised to take even more national park vacations in the years to come,�?? said Tracy Edwards, AAA East Central’s Managing Director of Travel. “In times of global uncertainty, many people are turning to domestic vacations and the wide variety of national parks offer something for every traveler to discover,�?? he added. Eighty-five percent of Americans have visited at least one national park, and a majority say the national parks are a “must-see�?? vacation destination (73 percent). National parks are growing in popularity among younger generations, with nearly half of Millennials (46 percent) citing that they are more likely to visit a national park in the next year, outpacing both Generation X and Baby Boomers. According to the National Park Service, the most visited national parks in 2015 were Great Smoky Mountains, Grand Canyon and Rocky Mountain. AAA’s survey revealed the national parks that top most Americans’ bucket lists for future travels include Yellowstone (33 percent), Yosemite (17 percent) and Grand Canyon (12 percent). Americans feel the best times to visit the national parks are during the spring (35 percent), fall (33 percent) and summer (27 percent). Travelers planning trips to national parks for the remainder of 2016 can enjoy a discount on select dates in honor of the National Park Service’s 100^th anniversary. All sites that charge an entrance fee will offer free admission Aug. 25-28, Sept. 24 and Nov. 11. Results from the AAA survey reveal additional details about Americans’ national park vacation preferences: · The vast majority (91 percent) of visitors to national parks drive to their destination. The remainder choose to fly (18 percent), ride on trains or buses (10 percent each) or take a cruise or boat (7 percent). · The majority of Americans (66 percent) typically stay in a hotel, motel or lodge (http://publicaffairsresources.aaa.biz/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/National-Park-Lodgings.pdf) when visiting a national park. Camping (41 percent), vacation rentals or cabins (38 percent), staying with friends and family (33 percent) and bed and breakfasts (27 percent) are also popular accommodation options. · Visitors’ favorite national park activities include walking or hiking on park trails (53 percent) and sightseeing (35 percent). AAA East Central is a not-for-profit association with 83 local offices in Ohio, Pennsylvania, West Virginia, New York and Kentucky serving more than 2.7 million members. For More Information Contact: Chelsea Pompeani Manager of Public and Community Relations at 412-463-8030 ______________________ If you would rather not receive future communications from AAA East Central, please go to http://AAAEC.pr-optout.com/OptOut.aspx?519775x25590x82987x2x472868x24000x6&Email=submit%40theautochannel.com. AAA East Central, 5900 Baum Blvd, Pittsburgh, PA 15206 United States
