Background: A new Bexar County economic impact study finds that with adequate promotion and leveraging, World Heritage status for the San Antonio Missions could provide economic benefits for the surrounding region. The report, released by Bexar County Judge Nelson Wolff at a National Parks Conservation Association event on Saturday night, identifies three scenarios that could lead to varying levels of economic impact. With a county-wide effort to promote the World-Heritage designation, the Missions could support 5,239 local jobs and $502 million of local economic activity.

“As a partner in the continued effort to secure World Heritage status for the San Antonio Missions, I am pleased to see the economic benefits it could provide for surrounding communities. The Missions mean so much to this region already, both economically and culturally. As illustrated in the Bexar County economic impact study, through a coordinated and sustained push to market the World Heritage designation, the sites could support a significant increase in local jobs and spending.

“To be clear, a sizable increase in economic activity would likely require the region to unite around incorporating the future World Heritage status into its identity. I don’t foresee that being a challenge for this community – San Antonio values its great Missions, and will absolutely work to promote it on an international stage.

“The National Parks Conservation Association will continue to do its part to showcase the great treasures San Antonio Missions National Historical Park has to offer. We stand fully behind efforts to designate the Missions as a World Heritage Site, and will be a partner in efforts to realize the tremendous economic benefits that could result thereafter.” 

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To view the Bexar County report, please click here: http://www.bexar.org/whs/