The U.S. Department of Commerce's Bureau of Economic Analysis (BEA) recently released 2022 Outdoor Recreation Satellite Account economic data showing the largest economic impact in its history and the strong economic impact of outdoor recreation on the U.S. economy. These new numbers show that outdoor recreation generates $1.1 trillion in economic output (2.2% of GDP), creates 4.98 million jobs and accounts for 3.2% of the U.S. workforce.
This is the sixth consecutive year that BEA has released national and state-level data on this important sector. This press release highlights how the outdoor industry continues to grow and thrive, supporting jobs and local economies in communities across the country, strengthening the national economy and providing countless benefits to the increasing number of Americans who want to spend time outdoors. The BEA data shows how important outdoor recreation has become and how great the potential for further growth is.
“If there is one thing to take away from today's BEA presentation, it is this: the state of the outdoor recreation economy is good, and sustained investments in outdoor recreation and our shared public lands and waters pay dividends for our local and national economies quality of life,” says Jessica Turner, president of the Outdoor Recreation Roundtable (ORR). “Our industry continues to deliver benefits to communities across the country – large and small, urban and rural alike.” To ensure this success is sustainable and that our public lands and waters remain accessible to all Americans for generations to come, we will Continue to work with leaders to pass the American Outdoor Recreation Act by the end of this year. We are pleased that the data once again reflects what we hear every day: that outdoor recreation is not a nice thing, but a necessity for healthy people, places and economies.”
“BEA's strong data is consistent with our own sales figures and shows continued and immense consumer interest in outdoor recreation with powersports vehicles,” said Erik Pritchard, president and CEO of the Motorcycle Industry Council, the Specialty Vehicle Institute of America and the association for recreational off-highway vehicles. “In fact, our data shows that sales of dual-sport motorcycles, which can be used for both on- and off-road recreational use, have doubled since 2016 and that off-road motorcycle sales are on a significant growth trajectory BEA's annual data will help lawmakers understand the significant economic impact the outdoor recreation industry has on our country and why investments to protect and expand access to public lands and waters are important to the health of America and the world Americans are vital. It also proves that federal funding for programs like the Recreational Trails Program, which benefits motorized and non-motorized recreational interests for people of all abilities, brings great benefits.”
“As we begin the 2023-24 snowmobile season, we are pleased to report that the weather is snowing and cold. Sales of snowmobiles and related apparel and accessories are strong, said Ed Klim, president of the International Snowmobile Manufacturers Association. “The snowmobile shows take place across the United States and families fill the shows with excited anticipation for a great season. Families are already making their winter travel plans on snowmobiles, increasing economic impact in rural America and supporting outdoor activities on our public lands in national and state forests.”
“The positive economic impact on communities that support outdoor recreation and guided recreation is undeniable,” said Aaron Bannon, executive director of the America Outdoors Association. “This latest BEA data shows how important this industry is and the critical role it plays in supporting the U.S. economy.”
“Recreational boating continues to be an important driver of economic activity, and the new 2022 BEA data captures Americans’ continued desire to get outside and on the water,” said Frank Hugelmeyer, President of the National Marine Manufacturers Association (NMMA) and current Board of Directors Chair of the Outdoor Recreation Roundtable (ORR). “Our industry experienced record sales in 2020 and 2021, and this momentum continued into 2022. But as our industry faces headwinds, it is now more important than ever that Americans' access to recreational activities is protected. It’s clear that people want to get outside, and as an industry we are working hard to ensure Americans continue to have access to the outdoor activities they love.”
“We have long appreciated the physical, social and emotional benefits of spending time outdoors. “This latest BEA data reinforces the compelling case that the outdoor recreation economy is a strong driver of GDP and jobs,” said Julie Sutton, senior director of government affairs and global impact, VF Corporation. “The data also shows that there is a deep love for nature across the country. As this industry builds connections with people across the U.S., VF and its brands are committed to supporting a thriving leisure economy for all.”
“It is no surprise that outdoor recreation and the outdoor economy continue to experience outstanding growth, which also supports the historical trends in outdoor participation that we have seen in recent years,” says Kent Ebersole, president of the Outdoor Industry Association. “The outdoor recreation participant base grew for the eighth consecutive year to a record 168.1 million participants, and the new participants are increasingly diverse and looking for companies that can lead in sustainability, equity and conservation. This new data demonstrates the strength of the outdoor recreation industry and our collective power to drive sustainable economic growth while protecting and increasing access to the benefits of nature for all.”
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“BEA’s numbers underscore the rapid expansion we have seen first-hand in the off-road and overlanding industry. “While motorized recreation is a lifestyle and passion for millions of Americans, the money that OHV and overlanding enthusiasts invest in their vehicles is a key economic driver of the $1.08 trillion annual outdoor recreation economy.” says Mike Spagnola, CEO of the Specialty Equipment Market Association. “Motorized recreation is a major employer in service areas and throughout the county, where specialty aftermarket companies manufacture, install and sell parts for everything from SUVs to trucks to OHVs with wheels and tires, suspension upgrades, lift kits, winches, Upgrade lighting products etc. and more.”
America's outdoor recreation community, represented by ORR, continues to support the Outdoor Recreation Satellite Account (ORSA) – the project that collects and publishes this data. The goal is to provide annual data on the economic importance of national and regional outdoor recreation economies that can be tracked over years.
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