“This new BEA data just reaffirms what our camping consumer data has shown for the past two years—camping is one of the best ways to enjoy the outdoors together and makes an incredible economic impact on local communities and the US as a whole,” said Paul Bambei, President and CEO of the National Association of RV Parks and Campgrounds. “Our research shows that each family of four spends an average of $200 per day in local communities on campsites, fuel, food and entertainment. Camping is often the catalyst for other outdoor recreation activities that further boost the economy.”
“Last year proved to be a year like no other for the outdoor recreation industry, and today’s Outdoor Recreation Satellite Account data release underscores the fact that boating and time spent on our nation’s waterways is a favorite American pastime,” said Frank Hugelmeyer, president of the National Marine Manufacturers Association (NMMA) and current Board Chair of the Outdoor Recreation Roundtable (ORR). “Since 2020, the recreational boating and fishing industry and outdoor recreation economy at-large has led a national recovery, welcoming millions of families to experience the considerable health benefits of the great outdoors while being a vital economic contributor and job creator.”
“The outdoor recreation economy nearing $1 trillion in economic value is impressive yet unsurprising. With roughly 50 million anglers across the United States, recreational fishing is an important aspect of outdoor recreation, and we are proud to be part of an industry that is both growing in popularity and value,” said Glenn Hughes, President of the American Sportfishing Association. “The BEA data reflects how important it is for Americans to continue to have access to clean waters and abundant fisheries, and we are honored to play an important role in growing our nation’s economy. ASA looks forward to increasing participation rates alongside the rest of the outdoor recreation industry and getting more Americans outside or on the water.”
“The RV industry has seen a record number of younger and more diverse customers flock to RVs as a way to fulfil their desire to get outdoors, take part in all kinds of outdoor recreation, and live an active outdoor lifestyle. RVs provide a basecamp for every form of recreation included in these new economic numbers, from boating and fishing to hiking, biking, and climbing,” said Craig Kirby, President and CEO of the RV Industry Association. “What these new numbers show is that outdoor recreation is not just good for people’s physical and mental health, it is also a significant economic driver across the entire country.”
“The BEA data underscores that outdoor recreation is vital to the economic well-being of our state,” said Jenny Kordick, Executive Director of Maine Outdoor Brands. “The world class outdoor recreation opportunities in Maine are a powerful lure for residents and visitors alike and support a booming outdoor industry. With continued investment, the outdoor sector can drive an environmentally responsible economy, one that offers good-paying jobs and an unmatched quality of life.”
“Our members, which include more than 600 outdoor media across the country, saw an explosion of interest in outdoor activities over the past few years – including expanded coverage by mass media in outdoor recreation,” said Katie McKalip, President of the Outdoor Writers Association of America. “It’s been excellent to be able to reach even more people to inspire them to get outdoors – and ultimately help conserve our precious outdoor spaces.”
“To those of us in the powersports industry, these are not surprising numbers. We’ve seen outdoor recreation giving a real boost to America’s economy during the pandemic as more people throw a leg over a motorcycle or ATV, or get behind the wheel of a side-by-side to enjoy family time in the beautiful outdoors,” said Erik Pritchard, President and CEO of the Motorcycle Industry Council. “The BEA data confirms that communities large and small, from all corners of America, benefit from outdoor recreation. We’re proud to be part of the responsible recreators who are generating nearly a trillion dollars in economic value across the country.”
“The enormous contribution the outdoor recreation industry makes to our national economy continues to be the epitome of a win-win situation given the additional benefits the public gets from being in and enjoying the great outdoors,” said Marily Reese, Executive Director of the National Forest Recreation Association. “NFRA members, who work as partners with our federal land agencies, are privileged and proud to be a part of an industry that brings so much value and joy to people.”
“These economic numbers show the benefits for the economy, and with a growing workforce of outdoor facilitators, the Association of Outdoor Recreation and Education (AORE) is making a positive and direct impact on users,” said Jeannette Stawski, Executive Director of the Association of Outdoor Recreation and Education. “AORE members are outdoor facilitators of 340+ unique organizations in 45 states and 8 countries where member collective programming introduces over 1 million participants annually to outdoor recreation and education. Helping people get more people outside is a winning strategy for all!”
“The new numbers from the BEA are very exciting, and emphasize the important economic value of outdoor access to our public lands and waters,” said Lesley Kane-Syznal, Co-Chair of the LWCF Coalition. “The Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF) is a critical tool to protect and grow outdoor access to many amazing places – from our oldest National Parks to local greenspaces in underserved communities. As we experience record visitation at many parks and public lands, LWCF is essential to improve the visitor experience by providing new and expanded access for all. The LWCF Coalition is committed to increasing LWCF funding to ensure more public lands and waters can sustainably support the growing outdoor industry and the local economies it bolsters.”