Several documented examples…

Several documented examples and studies showing how allowing rock climbing on public lands has benefited local communities economically.

Lander, Wyoming A study found ~37,000 climbing visits annually; ~78% from outside the area. ~$4.5 million in visitor spending per year; supports ~$1.7 million in local wages; helps sustain jobs.

New River Gorge Region, West Virginia Rock climbing is a major draw. A 3-county study found $12.1 million/year in tourism dollars; supports ~168 jobs; contributes ~$6.3 million in wages.

Red River Gorge, Kentucky In one of the poorest parts of the U.S., climbing has become part of the economic mix. Climbers spend ~$3.6 million annually; generates revenues for local businesses; supports ~39 full-time jobs.

Bishop Area, California / Inyo County Study measured climber behavior & spending. Estimated $15.6 million/year spent by climbers; supports ~$5.1 million in local wages; ~127 jobs.

Other Supporting Points include:

Climbing areas tend to draw visitors who will spend on lodging, food, gear, guiding services, transport, etc., which helps businesses in often rural or economically marginal areas.
These studies often note that climbers are “good” in that they stay overnight, contribute to local tax bases, and have higher-than-average incomes or educational levels—factors which tend to amplify the economic effect.
There’s also mention that maintaining access (e.g. minimal barriers, preserved routes, safe infrastructure) is key: without access, the economic benefits drop off.

Sources:

[1]: https://js.sagamorepub.com/index.php/jorel/article/view/12010?utm_sourc… "The Economic Impact of Climbing in the Lander Area of Wyoming | Journal of Outdoor Recreation, Education, and Leadership"
[2]: https://gearjunkie.com/climbing/study-wyoming-climbers-economy?utm_sour… "Study: Climbers Contribute $4.5M Annually to Local Wyoming Economy | GearJunkie"
[3]: https://www.accessfund.org/latest-news/news-and-events/news/new-study-f… "New Study Finds Rock Climbers Bring $12.1 Million a Year to New River Gorge — Access Fund"
[4]: https://www.climbing.com/news/new-study-shows-rock-climbers-spend-36-mi… "New Study Shows Rock Climbers Spend $3.6 Million a Year in Red River Gorge, KY - Climbing"
[5]: https://www.heartofthekentuckyriver.com/blog/rock-climbing-boosts-local… "Rock Climbing Boosts Local Economies - Beattyville/Lee County Tourism"
[6]: https://bishopclimbers.org/economic-impact?utm_source=chatgpt.com "Economic Impact of Climbers in Bishop — Bishop Area Climbers Coalition"
[7]: https://www.accessfund.org/latest-news/open-gate-blog/climbers-a-growin… "Climbers: A Growing Economic Force — Access Fund"
[8]: https://www.wyomingclimbers.org/economic-impact-study?utm_source=chatgp… "Economic Impact Study — Central Wyoming Climbers' Alliance /Wyoclimbers"