WASHINGTON, D.C, November 27, 2024 – The Marine Retailers Association of the Americas is excited to share new economic data released by the U.S. Department of Commerce’s Bureau of Economy Analysis (BEA) highlighting that outdoor recreation, and in particular boating and fishing, continue to be a major driver of the U.S. economy, jobs and local communities. According to the latest data from the BEA Outdoor Recreation Satellite Account, outdoor recreation generated $1.2 trillion in economic output (2.3% GDP), comprised 3.1% of U.S. employees and accounted for 5 million jobs in 2023.
Recreational boating and fishing continues to be a major driver of the outdoor recreation economy and this year was the largest recreational activity for the nation, coming in at $36.8 billion in current-dollar value added and was the largest recreational activity in 34 states and the District of Columbia. The states with the largest contributions were Florida ($4.2 billion), California ($3.1 billion) and Texas (2.8 billion).
“Recreational boating continues to be a key part of America’s Outdoor Recreation Economy, and the new 2023 BEA data highlights Americans’ desire to be outside, get on the water and enjoy their favorite pastimes,” said Matt Gruhn, President of the Marine Retailers Association of the Americas. “The success of the recreational boating industry is ultimately fueled by marine retailers who keep boaters on the water and are key for ensuring that we continue to grow participation in America’s Outdoor Recreation Economy. This economic impact underscores the importance of prioritizing policies that support marine retailers, fuel continued investments in conservation and ensure domestic marine manufacturers can remain strong to ensure the recreational boating industry stays a uniquely American sector.”
This is the largest recorded measure since the BEA started calculating the size of the outdoor recreation economy in 2012. According to newly revised data in this year’s release from the BEA, the outdoor recreation economy has grown 36% in real terms since 2012. These new figures reveal that the outdoor recreation economy contributes more to the U.S. economy than farming, mining and utilities. This is the seventh consecutive year that the BEA has released government data on this critical industry sector. Today’s release confirms the role of outdoor recreation as a central contributor to thriving economies, healthy people and connected communities.
Jessica Turner, President of the Outdoor Recreation Roundtable (ORR), elevated the new data as a testament to the strength and importance of the outdoor recreation economy: “With over $1.2 trillion in economic output and generating 5 million jobs, this marks another year of growth for the outdoor recreation economy, underscoring its resilience and importance across the nation. The new BEA data highlights outdoor recreation as a cornerstone of our economy, generating jobs, supporting small businesses and providing essential opportunities for Americans to engage with the outdoors for health, connection and quality of life. This new data should signal to policymakers and leaders across the country that investing in outdoor infrastructure and access must remain a national, bipartisan priority. We urge this Congress to take swift action to pass the EXPLORE Act, a widely supported package of bills that will help to ensure that all Americans have access to the outdoors and support the communities and businesses that rely on recreation economies.”
Key Highlights:
- Nominal Gross Output: $1.2 trillion, up 5% from 2022
- 36% growth in Real Gross Output since 2012
- 5 million jobs, 3.1% of Employment
Diverse Sector Growth (Real Terms):
- Bicycling up 11%
- Climbing/hiking/tent camping up 6%
- Hunting/shooting/trapping up 12%
- Snow Activities up 23%
- Trips and Travel up 7%
- Lodging up 9%
- The outdoor recreation economy exceeded growth of the U.S. economy from 2022 to 2023 with outdoor recreation real GDP growing 3.6% compared to 2.9% for the U.S. economy and jobs growing 3.3% compared to 1.8%.
Retail Remains Strong
Furthermore, retail trade remains as a backbone of the outdoor recreation economy and was the second largest industry group for the nation, generating $156.3 billion or 24% of value added, and was the largest industry group in 26states. The states with the largest contributions were California ($17.6 billion), Texas ($13.9 billion) and Florida ($12.2 million). It is crucial to note the importance of a strong retail sector in the outdoor recreation economy, as this is made possible by MRAA members and others who bridge the gap between manufacturers and consumers, getting folks out on the water or on the trail and making outdoor recreation possible for the masses.
Continued Growth Despite Challenges: Despite economic fluctuations and market adjustments following the pandemic, the outdoor recreation economy continues to outpace the broader U.S. economy in several metrics. The data reflects increased participation across a variety of outdoor activities and a surge in related industries such as arts, entertainment, recreation, accommodation and food services (up 6% in real terms).
Federal Support Remains Critical: The EXPLORE Act, already passed by the U.S. House of Representatives in April 2024, would help ensure that public lands and recreational spaces remain accessible and well-maintained, with updates in antiquated management policies, boosting the outdoor economy without new costs to taxpayers. As the outdoor recreation economy grows, so does the need for continued investment in public lands and infrastructure. Without updates and improvements, many recreation areas risk falling behind demand. Additionally, retroactively extending the Generalized System of Preferences (GSP) by the end of the year would bring back certainty to the businesses trying to move supply chains out of China and keep their products affordable for consumers.
If you are interested in learning more or checking out the full release of the data, click here. If you have any further questions about the data or would like to discuss the implications, please feel free to reach out to MRAA Government Relations Staffers Chad Tokowicz, Government Relations Manager at Chad@mraa.com, or MRAA Director of Government Relations, Mike Sayre at Sayre@mraa.com.
About the Outdoor Recreation Roundtable
The Outdoor Recreation Roundtable promotes the growth of the outdoor recreation economy and outdoor recreation activities. We educate decision makers and the public on balanced policies that conserve public lands and waterways and enhance infrastructure to improve the experience and quality of life of outdoor enthusiasts everywhere.
About the Marine Retailers Association of the Americas
At the Marine Retailers Association of the Americas, we believe that for the marine industry to thrive, the retail organizations that interact with the boaters in their community must thrive. With that in mind, MRAA works to create a strong and healthy boating industry by uniting those retailers, providing them with opportunities for improvement and growth, and representing them with a powerful voice. For more information, visit MRAA.com or contact us at 763-315-8043.
