GATLINBURG, Tenn. (WVLT) - Visitors to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park helped boost the economy in East Tennessee by several billions, according to a report from the National Park Service.

The report said 12.2 million people visited the park last year and spent more than $2 billion in communities near the park.

In total, visitors spent $2.04 billion last year, and after accounting for the income of more than 20,000 jobs and the value added, the economic output for the economy was $2.86 billion.

“People come to the Smokies to do many things from hiking to driving to picnicking and camping and end up supporting the US and local economies along the way,” said Acting Superintendent Charles Sellars. “We’re proud that tourism to Great Smoky Mountains National Park generates more than

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