Well-known tourist spot generates $116 million, boosts economic growth

ASSATEAGUE ISLAND. – A local, well-known tourist spot generated a whole lot of money this past year, and the contributions are boosting economic growth.

In 2022, Assateague Island National Shore saw $116 million in revenue and Director of Tourism Melanie Pursel said it’s the attractions that keep people coming.

“Assateague Island is one of our gems,” Pursel said. “We always promote, and we always talk about the ponies, the camping, the wildlife; it’s just really something like no other.

The ponies, one of the most beloved parts of Assateague Island– roam at the state park, and with all of the tourism happening on the island, Park Superintendent Hugh Hawthorne said they’re able to pour back into the buildings that serve the public.

“If visitation holds steady, we’ll be building some new facilities and updating our existing ones,” Hawthorne said.

While some visitors may come for the park, Pursel said the real driver of the increased economic growth is all the hospitality the area has to offer.

“By creating experiences and events for people in our region, that’s really driving a lot of visitation and setting us apart from other destinations,” Pursel said.

And for those wanting to visit the island with some much to offer, Hawthorne said it’s an all year round attraction.

“This is not just a summer place,” Hawthorne said. “Most people just come here in the summer for the beach, but an increasing number of people have been coming in the fall and the spring.”