Outdoor Industry Foundation introduced a research report designed to document the economic impact of outdoor recreation spending. The well-attended press conference included comments from Frank Hugelmeyer, president of Outdoor Industry Association, Secretary of the Interior Dirk Kempthorne and Utah Governor Jon Huntsman. REI CEO Sally Jewell joined them on the podium.
The 20-page report “The Active Outdoor Recreation Economy” tracks how much people are spending on outdoor recreation. The study included surveys from Harris Interactive and the U.S. Census Bureau. In order to ensure a high degree of validity, an independent panel of university and industry researchers reviewed the findings. The survey results were used to create a fiscal model tracking purchases through the economy from consumer up through suppliers.
According to the report, 130 million Americans spend $289 billion on outdoor recreation products and services. The total includes $243 billion for food, transportation, and lodging associated with recreation with an additional $46 billion spent on equipment.
The economic model identifies a ripple effect that tracks these expenditures through the economy. The outdoor industrys contribution to suppliers, intermediaries, and employees adds an additional $441 billion to the economy. The report announced that the combined economic impact of outdoor enthusiasts has reached $730 billion, representing 8% of the total U.S. economy.
The report also noted that approximately 6.5 million Americans are employed in the outdoor recreation business segment. Spending on recreational activities generated $88 billion in state and federal taxes.
