Texas State Aquarium has made an economic impact of more than $560 million on the Corpus Christi area since 2009.
According to a report from Austin-based economic consulting and research firm, Impact DataSource, the aquarium also made a record $90 million economic impact on the Corpus Christi area in 2018.
The report analysed the attraction’s impact on the regional economy through visitors and employees, indirect labor, and visitor-created jobs, as well as its contributions to local taxing districts.
Texas State Aquarium has supported an average of 762 jobs each year and more than $168 million in salaries over 10 years.
Economic activities supported by the aquarium contributed more than $41 million to all local taxing districts and upwards of $338 million in taxable sales over the same period.
Texas State Aquarium economic impact
A major contributor to the aquarium’s economic impact were out-of-town visitors. In 2018, it had 530,950 visitors, with an estimated 401,295 arriving from out of town.
“Tourism and leisure travel continue to be a major driver of our local economy, and I’m pleased that the Texas State Aquarium can play a meaningful role in helping our region prosper,” said CEO Tom Schmid.
“Taxes generated as a result of our activity help the city, the county, Corpus Christi Independent school district, and Del Mar College. And with over 250 employees and a $17 million operating budget, the Texas State Aquarium Association is much more than just an aquarium,” he added.
You know what's better than the song "Baby Shark?" Actual baby sharks. pic.twitter.com/by0jqjXyI1
— Texas State Aquarium (@TXStateAquarium) April 7, 2019
“We also manage the Flint Hills Resources STEM Center, our Wildlife Rescue program, we administer a Wildlife Care, Conservation and Research Fund program, we manage an event centre, and this year we launched an off-site catering program.
“All of these programs and entities support our education and wildlife conservation mission.”
Texas State Aquarium has added various exhibits and experiences, including its Caribbean Journey. A new Wildlife Rescue Center is planned, along with further attractions.
Image: Texas State Aquarium
