The U.S. Department of Commerce’s Bureau of Economic Analysis (BEA) released annual data late November exhibiting that outdoor recreation continues to be a major economic force for the U.S., generating $1.2 trillion in economic output and supporting 5 million jobs in 2023 – 3.1% of all employees in the country.
In New Hampshire, outdoor recreation accounts for $3.9 billion, or 3.4% of the state’s gross domestic product (GDP), with the Granite State ranking 8th in the country for outdoor recreation as a percentage of GDP. This is the largest recorded measurement for New Hampshire since the BEA started collecting this data in 2012.
For employment and compensation, New Hampshire’s outdoor recreation sector accounts for 31,917 jobs, covering 4.5% of the state’s workforce and adding $1.7 billion in wages. Workforce recruitment and retention programs developed by the state and industry leaders are in the works to further strengthen career pipelines and enhance the outdoor employment landscape.
“The latest BEA data highlights the vitality of our outdoor economy, with increased jobs and participation in sectors like snow sports, hunting, boating, fishing and cycling,” said Janel Lawton, director of New Hampshire’s Office of Outdoor Recreation Industry Development. “Our diverse landscapes and outdoor activities play a key role in strengthening communities, enhancing quality of life and boosting the statewide economy. By preserving and supporting our outdoor resources, we can ensure New Hampshire remains a unique and thriving place for future generations.”
BEA’s 2023 findings emphasize the importance of investing in infrastructure and implementing policies that enhance outdoor access. Although the outdoor recreation sector remains resilient, especially in rural areas, the slower year-over-year growth underlines the need for focused policy advancements and strategic initiatives, such as the passage of the EX- PLORE Act.
“The data reveals that while outdoor recreation is driving significant economic prosperity in New Hampshire, we must engage the supply side of the outdoor industry, the business community and the public sector to ensure protection of our air, water and lands,” said Tyler Ray, director of Granite Outdoor Alliance. “As a statewide business alliance, we implore policymakers, from the Seacoast to the North Country, to see the outdoor industry not as a passive participant, but as a dynamic and important player in the statewide economy that warrants prioritization and support.”
Despite the impacts of warming winters and increased operational costs for recreation providers, New Hampshire’s snow sports sector remains highly competitive, ranking 7th for value added among states with $250.65 million. For value added by activity, the top activities in New Hampshire are RV’ing ($250.7 million), snow activities ($250.65 million), hunting, shooting and trapping ($209 million), boating and fishing ($191.8 million), and climbing, hiking and tent camping ($72.9 million).
Jessyca Keeler, President of Ski New Hampshire, the state’s ski area trade association, noted the industry’s adaptability in response to the Northeast’s unpredictable weather patterns. “New Hampshire resorts have made significant investments in snowmaking and trail grooming to remain resilient,” she stated. “We are focusing on fostering collaboration and advocating for robust climate and sustainability policies at state and federal levels to safeguard the future of snow-reliant businesses and organizations.”
For more information and to access the full report from the Bureau of Economic Analysis, visit www.bea.gov/news/2024/outdoor-recreation-satellite-account-usand-states-2023.
