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A new analysis by the U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis (BEA) finds that the value added of the outdoor recreation economy accounts for $563.7 billion, or 2.2 percent, of national gross domestic product (GDP). When adjusted for inflation, this represents an increase of 4.8 percent from the previous year, compared to an increase of 1.9 percent for the economy overall. Total gross output, or spending, topped $1 trillion for the first time.
The BEA also calculated the value added of the outdoor recreation economy as a percentage of state GDP. Montana and Wyoming came in second and third in the nation at 4.3 percent and 4.1 percent, respectively. Utah and Idaho were not far behind, at 3.2 percent and 3.1 percent. Colorado (2.8 percent), Nevada (2.7 percent), and Arizona (2.5 percent) also outperformed the national average of 2.2 percent. Among interior Western states, only New Mexico, at 1.5 percent, underperformed relative to the national average.
"The outdoor recreation participant base grew for the eighth consecutive year to a record 168.1 million participants, and new participants are increasingly diverse and looking to businesses to lead on sustainability, equity, and conservation," Outdoor Industry Association president Kent Ebersole said in a statement. "This new data demonstrates the strength of the outdoor recreation industry and our collective power to drive sustainable economic growth while protecting – and growing access to – the benefits of the outdoors for everyone."
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We must continue to champion destination stewardship, more equitable access to the outdoors, a healthy workforce, and continued sustainable growth of the industry.”
