The Western Governors’ Association, which serves the governors of 19 states, revealed in its latest report, “A Snapshot of the Economic Impact of Outdoor Recreation,” that Americans spent an estimated $645.6 billion on outdoor recreation in 2011. Topping outdoor recreation on the list was financial services and insurance, and outpatient health care.
It’s the first time non-motorized and motorized recreation industries have joined forces to provide a complete picture of the economic impact and importance of outdoor recreation for the economy. The WGA and five industry groups — the Motorcycle Industry Council, Recreational Off-Highway Vehicle Association, Specialty Vehicle Institute of America, National Marine Manufacturers Association and the Outdoor Industry Association — sponsored the study.
According to the report, recreational spending in the West was $255.6 billion in 2011, nearly 40 percent of the national total.
Activities studied included trail sports, motorcycle riding, snow sports, hunting, off-roading, biking, water sports, wildlife watching, camping and fishing.
Download the report “A Snapshot of the Impact of Outdoor Recreation” here.
The MIC will release additional motorized recreation data later this year.
