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WASHINGTON, November 9, 2022 /PRNewswire/ — The US Department of Commerce’s Bureau of Economic Analysis (BEA) has released economic data for 2021 that shows the powerful and positive economic impact of outdoor recreation on the economy of USA These new numbers show the outdoor recreation generates 862 billion dollars in economic production and 4.5 million jobs. This means that the outdoor recreation economy contributes more to the US economy than oil and gas extraction, mining, and agriculture. The report includes data at the national and state levels.

This is the fifth year in a row that BEA has published government data on this critical industry sector. Today’s release shows how the outdoor industry, which played a vital economic and social role throughout the pandemic, has since maintained remarkable growth and continued to boost local economies. The outdoor recreation economy came back stronger than ever after the COVID-19 pandemic and continues to be a constant source of strength nationally and a booming job creator locally.

Key takeaways from 2021 data on the outdoor recreation economy:

• 862 billion dollars in economic production;
• 1.9% of GDP;
• 4.5 million jobs;
• Travel and return travel, record sales in many outdoor segments, increased manufacturing, as well as the drive to continue to recreate to improve the quality of life, allowed our industry to recover from the effects of COVID-19 in 2020.

“BEA’s data underscores how important it is to invest in public lands, waters and recreational infrastructure from coast to coast and for recreational activities of all kinds,” he said. Jessica Turnerpresident of the Round Table of Outdoor Leisure (ORR). “From job creation and increased profits for small businesses in local economies, to huge benefits for our national economy, this sector is a constant 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 endless benefits that come from more people spending time outdoors free air, and will only grow with continued investment.”

“We’ve seen record-breaking growth in camping and boating over the past two years, with millions of people enjoying RVs and boats to connect with family and friends, to relax and recharge, and to experience nature,” he said. Michael HappePresident and CEO of Winnebago Industries. “The record economic impact on BEA’s numbers demonstrates the collective power of our industry to help people discover and experience the tremendous benefits of the outdoor lifestyle. We continue to welcome a increasingly diverse group of new participants, so we hope to maintain this momentum by developing recreational infrastructure and increasing access for all.”

“The latest BEA numbers are a testament to the power of outdoor recreation and we’re thrilled to see the economic impact of our industry grow,” he said. Chris MetzCEO of Vista Outdoor Inc., the parent company of 41 brands of outdoor and sports products. “This data shows that people continued to venture outdoors for health, wellness and adventure in record numbers last year as companies across the industry worked to expand participation and get more people outdoors. The goal now: to build on that momentum. will remain focused on increasing access to public lands, building more recreational infrastructure, and increasing participation in all outdoor activities.”

“This data solidifies what we’ve seen throughout our sixty-year history: that there is intrinsic value in the outdoors,” he said. Toby O’RourkePresident and CEO of Kampgrounds of America, Inc. “More than 20 million new households started camping since 2020 and six in ten plan to continue. We are increasingly seeing camping and outdoor holidays become a preferred form of travel. The economic impact of camping and the larger outdoor industry highlights how critical natural spaces are to our communities. And, even more importantly, the outdoors remains vital to health and well-being general and to foster connection with others.”

“The continued strength of the outdoor economy is no surprise to the marine industry, where we continue to see incredible growth with new and younger customers taking our brands each year,” he said. Chris DreesPresident of Mercury Marine, the world’s leading manufacturer of recreational marine propulsion engines. “We will continue to work closely with our partners in the outdoor recreation community to promote the benefits of being on the water.”

“Last year proved to be a year like no other for the outdoor recreation industry, and today’s release of data from the Outdoor Recreation Satellite Account underscores the fact that boating and time spent on our nation’s waterways is a favorite American pastime,” he said. Frank Hugelmeyerpresident of the National Marine Manufacturers Association (NMMA) and current Chair of the Outdoor Recreation Roundtable (ORR). “Since 2020, the recreational boating and fishing industry and the overall outdoor recreation economy have led a national recovery, welcoming millions of families to experience the considerable benefits to to outdoor health while being a vital economic contributor and job creator.”

To see what the recreational community is saying, click here.

The US outdoor recreation community, represented by ORR, continues to support the Outdoor Recreation Satellite Account (ORSA), the project that collects and publishes this data. As with many other industries, the goal is to provide annual data on the economic importance of national and regional outdoor recreation economies that can be tracked for years to come. To learn more about the ORR and the contributions of outdoor recreation to the economy, click here.

The Outdoor leisure round table is the nation’s leading coalition of outdoor recreation trade associations representing the 862 billion dollars outdoor recreation economy. ORR focuses on the growth of outdoor recreation by building a better environment for the sustainable growth of outdoor recreation businesses and driving a broader understanding of the value economy of outdoor recreation. Our membership includes members of national outdoor trade associations, business entities, non-profit organizations and universities, serving more than 110,000 businesses and representing America’s boating, fishing, RVing communities , biking, hiking, camping, hunting, motorized, diving, horse and ski communities. among many more.

SOURCE Outdoor leisure round table