The U.S. Department of Commerce’s Bureau of Economic Analysis (BEA) has released economic data for 2021 showing the outdoor recreation industry’s impact on the U.S. economy. Key highlights from the 2021 data on the U.S. outdoor recreation economy include: 1. $862 billion in economic output; 2. 1.9% of GDP, and 3. 4.5 million jobs.
Trips and travel have come back, record sales in many outdoor segments, manufacturing increasing, as well as the drive to continue to recreate for quality of life has allowed the outdoor industry to bounce back from the effects of COVID-19.
“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 to our brands each year,” said Chris Drees, President of Mercury Marine, the world’s leading manufacturer of recreational marine propulsion engines.
Travel restrictions during the pandemic encouraged people to find recreational and fun closer to home and those new habits have not faded away. As flexibility in the job market has become more consistent, more workers have participated in outdoor activities.
Recreational sales and manufacturing highlights, according to the government report:
- New model powersports sales increased 18.4% in 2020.
- Sales of ATV’s also jumped, rising 33.8% over 2019 levels.
- 40% of new boaters purchased a boat in 2020.
- More than 310,000 new powerboats were sold in 2020.
- 95% of boats sold in the U.S. are American made.
- Motorcycle riding in the U.S. generated $64 billion in total revenue and 480,000 jobs.
- Wheel sports in the U.S. was responsible for $95 billion in total revenue and 847,000 jobs.
The outdoor recreation industry, which played an important economic and social role during the pandemic, remains a steady source of strength nationally and a job creator locally. PSR
Michael Aistrup is Senior Analyst at Power Systems Research
