The U.S. Department of Commerce’s Bureau of Economic Analysis (BEA) has released data showing the outdoor recreation industry is worth a record-breaking $862 billion to the U.S. economy, Camping Trade World reports.
This means the outdoor recreation industry contributes more to the U.S. economy than oil and gas extraction, mining and farming. The industry also supports an estimated 4.5 million jobs.
“The BEA data underscores how important it is to invest in public lands, waters and recreation infrastructure from coast to coast and for recreation activities of all types,” said Jessica Turner, president of the Outdoor Recreation Roundtable. “From the creation of jobs and increased profit for small businesses in local economies to larger boons to our national economy, this sector is a consistent driver, even in times of economic uncertainty. The strength of the outdoor recreation economy reflects what many in the industry have long known to be true: there are infinite benefits that come from more people spending time outdoors, and they’ll only grow with continued investment.”
The value of the outdoor recreation industry also means it accounts for 1.9 percent of the U.S. gross domestic product.
Photo: Camping Trade World
