The Outdoor Recreation Economy

Source: Outdoor Industry Association, Fall 2006 Report 

An Overlooked Economic Giant 

Source: Outdoor Industry Association, Fall 2006 Report 

The Active Outdoor Recreation Economy is big business - a $289 billion business. It ranks alongside and even dwarfs other major economic sectors in the U.S., such as auto manufacturing, legal services, and motion pictures and videos.

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Who Drives the Recreation Economy

Source: Outdoor Industry Association, 2010 Outdoor Recreation Participation Report

The Active Outdoor Recreation Economy begins with millions of Americans who come from all walks of life and geographical regions across the country.  In 2009, 48.9 percent of Americans ages 6 and older participated in outdoor recreation.  Americans made an estimated 10.1 billion outdoor excursions in 2009, either close to home, in a nearby park or an overnight trip. When Americans get out and participate in these activities, they are not just having fun and staying fit, they're also pumping billions of dollars into the economy.