The Outdoor Recreation Roundtable (ORR)* presented new economic data today, November 20, from the U.S. Department of Commerce, Bureau of Economic Analysis (BEA). The data shows that outdoor recreation continues to be a significant driver of the U.S. economy, jobs and local communities. 

According to the latest data from the BEA’s Outdoor Recreation Satellite Account, in 2023, outdoor recreation generated $1.2 trillion in economic output (2.3 percent of the GDP), comprised 3.1 percent of U.S. employees and 5 million jobs—the largest recorded measure since the BEA started calculating the size of the outdoor recreation economy in 2012.

The newly revised data in this year’s BEA report, outlines that the outdoor recreation economy has grown 36 percent in real terms since 2012, and that outdoor recreation contributes more to the U.S. economy than farming, mining and utilities. 

The 2024 report is the seventh consecutive year the BEA released government data on the outdoor recreation sector, and confirms its importance in the role it plays in contributing to a healthy economy.

Jessica Turner, president of the Outdoor Recreation Roundtable (ORR), elevated the new data as a testament to the strength and importance of the outdoor recreation economy. She said, “With over $1.2 trillion in economic output and generating 5 million jobs, this marks another year of growth for the outdoor recreation economy, underscoring its resilience and importance across the nation. The new BEA data highlights outdoor recreation as a cornerstone of our economy, generating jobs, supporting small businesses, and providing essential opportunities for Americans to engage with the outdoors for health, connection, and quality of life. This new data should signal to policymakers and leaders across the country that investing in outdoor infrastructure and access must remain a national, bipartisan priority. We urge this Congress to take swift action to pass the EXPLORE Act, a widely supported package of bills that will help to ensure that all Americans have access to the outdoors and support the communities and businesses that rely on recreation economies.”

Key Report Highlights include:

  • Nominal Gross Output of $1.2 trillion, up 5 percent from 2022
  • 36 percent growth in Real Gross Output since 2012
  • 5 million jobs, 3.1 percent of employment

Diverse Sector Growth:
(in real terms) 

  • Bicycling up 11 percent  
  • Climbing/Hiking/Tent Camping up 6 percent 
  • Hunting/Shooting/Trapping up 12 percent 
  • Snow Activities up 23 percent
  • Trips and Travel up 7 percent
  • Lodging up 9 percent
  • From 2022 to 2023, the outdoor recreation economy exceeded the growth of the U.S. economy, with outdoor recreation real GDP growing 3.6 percent compared to 2.9 percent for the U.S. economy and jobs growing 3.3 percent compared to 1.8 percent.

Continued Growth Despite Challenges
Despite economic fluctuations and market adjustments following the pandemic, the outdoor recreation economy continues to outpace the broader U.S. economy in several metrics. The data reflects increased participation across various outdoor activities and a surge in related industries, including the arts, entertainment, recreation, accommodation, and food services (up 6 percent in real terms).

Federal Support Remains Critical
The EXPLORE Act, already passed by the U.S. House of Representatives in April 2024, would help ensure that public lands and recreational spaces remain accessible and well-maintained. Updating antiquated management policies would boost the outdoor economy without new costs to taxpayers. As the outdoor recreation economy grows, there is a need for continued investment in public lands and infrastructure. Without updates and improvements, many recreation areas risk falling behind demand.

Additionally, retroactively extending the Generalized System of Preferences (GSP) by the end of 2024 would bring back certainty to businesses trying to move supply chains out of China and keep their products affordable for consumers. 

ORR noted it would continue to support the BEA’s Outdoor Recreation Satellite Account and said in a media release, “As is the case for many other industries, this annual data is vital to showing how the outdoor recreation industry has a significant impact on the national economy and job creation and contributes to the health and vitality of the nation.”

*The Outdoor Recreation Roundtable is a U.S. coalition of outdoor recreation associations representing over 110,000 outdoor businesses in the recreation sector and the full spectrum of outdoor-related activities.

Image courtesy Appalachian Trail Conservancy