On November 22, 2024, it was reported that Utah's outdoor recreation economy reached a record $9.5 billion, contributing 3.4% to the state's GDP. This growth reflects an impressive average annual increase of 8.4% since 2012, making Utah a leader in outdoor recreation [e68148de]. The state was the first to establish an Office of Outdoor Recreation in 2013, a move that has been pivotal in promoting and supporting this vital sector [e68148de].
Winter activities alone generated $643 million in 2023, while bicycling saw a remarkable 43% increase, reaching $73 million [e68148de]. This surge in outdoor activities aligns with a broader trend across the United States, where outdoor recreation contributed $1.2 trillion to the national economy in 2023, accounting for 2.5% of the U.S. GDP [87fc548c].
In New Hampshire, outdoor recreation contributed $3.9 billion to the state's economy in 2023, accounting for 3.4% of its GDP and employing approximately 32,000 people [5f338f66]. This positions New Hampshire among the top ten states for outdoor recreation economic activity, with Hawaii leading, followed by Vermont, Alaska, Montana, Wyoming, Florida, Maine, Utah, and Nevada [5f338f66]. Senator Jeanne Shaheen has been a key advocate for outdoor recreation, having authored legislation that led to the BEA's annual report on the economic activity generated by this sector [87fc548c][5f338f66].
The diverse growth within the outdoor recreation sector is notable, with activities such as bicycling increasing by 11% and snow activities by 23% [87fc548c]. Significant contributions also come from fishing, boating, and other outdoor pursuits, underscoring the sector's broad appeal and economic importance [87fc548c].
As part of ongoing efforts to enhance outdoor infrastructure, the House passed the EXPLORE Act in April 2024, which aims to further support the growth of this vital sector [87fc548c]. Jessica Turner, president of the Outdoor Recreation Roundtable (ORR), emphasized the importance of investing in outdoor infrastructure to sustain this momentum [87fc548c].
In a broader context, the establishment of the Arizona Office of Outdoor Recreation on October 9, 2024, reflects a nationwide trend towards recognizing the economic and health benefits of outdoor activities. Arizona's new office aims to enhance the role of outdoor recreation in improving quality of life and economic growth, contributing $11.7 billion to the state's economy and supporting over 106,000 jobs [83b3dc68]. Neil Large has been appointed to lead this initiative, focusing on pillars such as Environmental Conservation, Economic Development, and Health & Wellness [83b3dc68].
As states like New Hampshire, Utah, and Arizona invest in outdoor recreation, the economic impact continues to grow, with Arkansas also reporting a $4.1 billion contribution from outdoor recreation in 2022 [19022311]. This trend underscores the importance of outdoor activities not only for individual health but also for state economies across the country. However, concerns have been raised regarding a potential 30% budget cut for tourism, which could impact the sector significantly. Senator Shaheen noted that for every $1 invested in tourism, there is a return of $12.08 in taxes, highlighting the critical nature of funding for this sector [5f338f66].