New Outdoor Recreation Economic Report Shows Off-Road as Important Factor

Editor’s Note: Originally scheduled to be published back in 2018, this story missed it’s schedule, but we feel as if the content is still appropriate and timely, so we are publishing it now with some updated information.

Quiet Warrior Racing or QWR (Editor’s Note: wait…what is QWR? Even I had to look it up: http://www.quietwarriorracing.com)  wants to express our sincere appreciation to our friends at the Outdoor Industry Association (OIA) for publishing its 2017 Outdoor Recreation Economy Report. (Editor’s Note: wait…what is that? Ok, here’s a link: https://outdoorindustry.org). The new OIA report states that outdoor recreation generates $887 billion in consumer spending and employs 7.6 million Americans.

LINK TO OIA 2017 REPORT
https://outdoorindustry.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/04/OIA_RecEconomy_FINAL_Single.pdf

This report highlights and details the significant economic impact that both motorized and non-motorized recreation has in this country.

QWR believes this comprehensive and inclusive report indicates the growing collaboration and partnership between motorized and non-motorized user groups as they work with agency staff and elected officials to support sustainable and diverse recreation opportunities on public lands.

And just recently, the Outdoor Industry Association welcomed today’s release of new U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis (BEA) data showing the economic impact of outdoor recreation. BEA found outdoor recreation contributed to the economies of all 50 states and accounted for 2.1 percent ($459.8 billion) of current-dollar gross domestic product (GDP) and $788 billion in gross output (consumer spending) in 2019 – a $10 billion consumer spending increase from 2017. The data also show an increase in outdoor recreation employment and compensation. Given the rise in outdoor participation during COVID-19, it is likely these figures will be even higher for 2020. Imagine that!

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