Outdoor Recreation Drives The American Economy
The outdoor recreation industry does more than bring joy to millions of Americans: It helps drive our economy. In 2020, the Bureau of Economic Analysis (BEA) released updated national and state-level statistics that formally recognize the critical role the industry plays in supporting economic growth in the United States. In addition, the BEA found that the outdoor recreation industry is growing rapidly, eclipsing the average increase in overall U.S. GDP.
Outdoor recreation is also a major generator of quality American jobs in industries ranging from manufacturing to retail to tourism. These jobs can be found from coast to coast and play a critical role in the economic health of local and state economies.