The Vast Economic Footprint of the Outdoor Recreation Industry

The outdoor recreation industry grew faster in 2016 than the rest of the U.S. economy.

1 minute read

February 18, 2018, 9:00 AM PST

"The outdoor recreational industry contributed toward two percent of the U.S. GDP in 2016, according to a preliminary report the Bureau of Economic Analysis (BEA) released Wednesday," reports Yessennia Funes.

According to Funes, this is the first attempt to measure the total economic footprint of the outdoor recreation industry, and the new data lends to some interesting comparisons. So, for instance, that two percent of U.S. GDP represents "enough money to fund the Department of Interior 27 times [pdf] over."

Environmentalists are quick to point out that, the $374 billion generated by outdoor recreation in 2016 is also more money than the mining industry generated, at $260 billion.

FULL STORY: Outdoor Recreation Is a Bigger Economic Booster Than Mining

Friday, February 16, 2018 in Earther

Community / Economic Development Environment United States Outdoor Recreation Bureau of Economic Analysis Outdoor Recreation Jobs and Economic Impact Act of 2016 View More

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