Norwalk, CT – The City of Norwalk and The Maritime Aquarium released an economic impact report that found the Aquarium annually generates $88.6 million in economic activity for the State of Connecticut through employment, tourism, capital investments, and programming. This figure has increased by roughly 25 percent since the last time it was measured in 2007.
Located in South Norwalk, the Aquarium is an anchor institution that has been pivotal in the transformation of the neighborhood once dominated by abandoned factories. It continues to be an asset to the City of Norwalk with a yearly positive economic impact of $55.8 million. With a new 10-year Strategic Plan and a five-year Conservation Action Plan recently adopted, the Aquarium expects its economic and overall impact to continue to grow.
“The Economic Impact Report reaffirms what we already knew; the benefits of The Maritime Aquarium touch the lives of every single Norwalker and even generate a positive economic impact throughout our state and region,” said City of Norwalk Mayor Harry Rilling. “Whether it's their fantastic programs, state-of-the-art 4D Theater, educational workshops, the revenue they bring to our local businesses, or their Conservation Action Plan to help combat the threats of climate change, The Maritime Aquarium is an asset to our community and local economy. The Maritime Aquarium is also an incredible partner to the City of Norwalk. Through our shared vision of protecting and bettering our environment, we're working together on several conservation initiatives to sustain a resilient Long Island Sound ecosystem.”
“Serving our community is a source of pride for us at the Aquarium. The economic benefits to the city and the state go hand-in-hand with an extraordinary effort of our staff and volunteers on the day-to-day operations to ensure the highest care and wellbeing of our animals, and the world-class experiences for our guests. I am pleased that in addition to the economic benefits we provide, this report highlights the benefits and future potential impact of our conservation and education programs,” said The Maritime Aquarium President and CEO Jason Patlis.
During this time, the Aquarium welcomed nearly 500,000 guests – a statistic that continues to trend upward. As part of their visits, these people are estimated to spend $34.8 million annually on the local economy at restaurants, shops, and hotels.
Beyond the Aquarium as a tourist attraction, its conservation work is estimated to have a $2.1 million impact on the state. Based on the benefits these projects provide to the greater ecosystem, tourism outside of the Aquarium, and employment that depends on the health of Long Island Sound, they have the potential to generate $8.7 billion in economic value on a yearly basis for the state. Of the Aquarium’s total operating budget of $13.6 million, $7 million is dedicated to workforce wages and benefits that are pumped back into the state and local economies.
“The Maritime Aquarium has played a significant role in transforming South Norwalk into the vibrant community that we see today. Beyond introducing people to the wonders of Long Island Sound and conservation, this report emphasizes yet again the continued importance of the Aquarium as a significant economic driver in our state,” said The Maritime Aquarium Board of Trustees Chair Clay Fowler.
“This report is not only a testament to the excellent entertainment and educational offerings of The Maritime Aquarium, but solid proof of their significant financial contributions and impact here in the City of Norwalk,” said The Greater Norwalk Chamber of Commerce President and CEO Brian Griffin.
To read The Economic and Community Impact of The Maritime Aquarium at Norwalk in full, visit www.maritimeaquarium.org/reports.