OUTDOOR REC IS A RECORD-BREAKING $862 BILLION INDUSTRY IN THE U.S.

 In New Hampshire, outdoor industry provides over 28,000 jobs and $2.7 billion to the economy.

November 10, 2022; The U.S. Department of Commerce’s Bureau of Economic Analysis (BEA) has released economic data for 2021 exhibiting outdoor recreation’s powerful and positive economic impact on the U.S. economy. The numbers show outdoor recreation generates $862 billion in economic output and 4.5 million jobs across the country, contributing more to the U.S. economy than oil and gas extraction, mining, and agriculture. Inflation-adjusted GDP for the outdoor recreation economy increased 18.9 percent in 2021, compared with a 5.9 percent increase for the overall U.S. economy.

“These new figures reaffirm the economic strength of America’s vibrant outdoor recreation sector,” said Senator Shaheen in a statement on the data. “After several years of these reports, we have consistent and comprehensive data on the financial impact of the outdoor recreation sector, which is key to guiding policy priorities that generate job growth and economic development. In New Hampshire, investments in outdoor recreation including through the Great American Outdoors Act help our local outdoor recreation industries thrive. I encourage policy makers from all levels of government to review the findings of this report and work with me and other lawmakers in support of outdoor recreation opportunities in our communities.” 

According to 2021 numbers, New Hampshire ranked among the top states for outdoor recreation as a percent of total compensation, and outdoor recreation employment increased by 13 percent. Outdoor recreation contributed nearly $2.7 billion to the state’s economy, provided over 28,000 jobs, and added nearly $1.2 billion in wages.

“New Hampshire’s outdoor spaces give us a competitive economic advantage and a real shot at drawing a younger workforce, making it a highly desirable place for outdoor enthusiasts to work and play,” said Tyler Ray, Founder of Granite Outdoor Alliance, a statewide business alliance committed to supporting a sustainable and inclusive outdoor economy in New Hampshire. “Our team at Granite Outdoor is excited to leverage this data in our collaborative work with private, nonprofit, and government partners, who are all key to improving outdoor recreation infrastructure, workforce development, and community impact.”  

For more information and to access the full report from the Bureau of Economic Analysis, visit https://www.bea.gov/data/special-topics/outdoor-recreation.

ABOUT GRANITE OUTDOOR ALLIANCE

Granite Outdoor Alliance is a membership-based business alliance comprised of nearly 100 companies supporting New Hampshire’s outdoor industry, including manufacturers, retailers, hospitality, non-profits, and individuals and families. The goal is to develop a sustainable and inclusive outdoor economy that improves recreation infrastructure, responsible stewardship, healthy communities, workforce development, and economic opportunity. For more information, visit  https://www.graniteoutdooralliance.org/.