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Powersports Business • January 2024 • 9

The U . S . Department of Commerce ’ s Bureau of Economic Analysis ( BEA ) recently released economic data from the Outdoor Recreation Satellite Account for the year 2022 , showing the largest economic impact in its history and outdoor recreation ’ s powerful economic impact on the U . S . economy . These new figures reveal that outdoor recreation generates $ 1.1 trillion in economic output ( 2.2 % of GDP ), 4.98 million jobs and comprises 3.2 % of U . S . employees .

This is the sixth consecutive year that BEA has released national and state level data on this important sector . This release shows how the outdoor industry continues to grow and thrive , supporting jobs and local economies in communities across the country , bolstering the national economy and providing myriad benefits to the increasing number of Americans who seek time outside . The BEA data demonstrates how vitally important outdoor recreation has become and its potential to continue to grow .

“ If there ’ s one thing to take away from today ’ s BEA presentation it ’ s this : the state of the outdoor recreation economy is strong , and sustained investment in outdoor recreation and our shared public lands and waters pays dividends for our local and national economies and quality of life ,” says Jessica Turner , president of the Outdoor Recreation Roundtable ( ORR ). “ Our industry continues to provide benefits to communities across the country – big , small , urban and rural alike . To ensure that this success is sustainable and that our public lands and waters will continue to be accessible to all Americans for generations to come , we will continue to work together with leaders on the passage of America ’ s Outdoor Recreation Act by the end of this year . We are thrilled to once again see the data reflect what we hear everyday , that outdoor recreation is not a nice to have — but a necessity for healthy people , places , and economies .”

“ The strong data from BEA are in sync with our own sales numbers showing continued and immense consumer interest in outdoor recreation with powersports vehicles ,” says Erik Pritchard , president and CEO of the Motorcycle Industry Council , the Specialty Vehicle Institute of America , and the Recreational Off-Highway Vehicle Association . “ In fact , our data shows that dual-sport motorcycles , which can be used on- and off-road for recreation , have doubled in sales since 2016 , and off-road motorcycle sales are on a significant growth trajectory . Having annual data from BEA will help legislators understand the significant economic impact that the outdoor recreation industry brings to our nation , and why investments to protect and grow access to public lands and waters is essential to the health of America and Americans . It also proves that big dividends come from federal funding for programs like the Recreational Trails Program , which benefits motorized and non-motorized recreational interests for people of all abilities .”

“ As we begin the 2023−24 snowmobile season , we are pleased to report that the snow is falling , and cold weather is here . Advanced sales on snowmobiles and related clothing and accessories are strong ,” says Ed Klim , president , International Snowmobile Manufacturers Association . “ The snowmobile shows are being held across the United States and families are filling the shows with eager anticipation for a great season . Families are already making their winter travel plans on snowmobiles , which expands the economic impact in rural America and supports outdoor activities on our public lands in the National Forests and State Forests .”

“ The beneficial economic impact to communities that support outdoor recreation and guided recreation is undeniable ,” says Aaron Bannon , executive director of America Outdoors Association . “ This latest BEA data demonstrates how significant this industry is and the critical role it plays to bolster the U . S . economy .”

“ Recreational boating continues to be a major driver of economic activity , and the new 2022 BEA data capture Americans ’ continued desire to be outdoors and on the water ,” says Frank Hugelmeyer , president of the National Marine Manufacturers Association ( NMMA ) and current Board Chair of the Outdoor Recreation Roundtable ( ORR ). “ Our industry saw record sales in 2020 and 2021 , and that momentum continued into 2022 . However , as our industry faces headwinds , now more than ever it ’ s important that Americans ’ access to recreational activities is

Powersports and boating remain key drivers of the outdoor recreation industry . Chart courtesy of the BEA

protected . It ’ s clear that people want to get outside , and as an industry , we are working hard to ensure Americans continue to have access to the outdoor activities they love .”

“ We have long appreciated the physical , social and emotional benefits of spending time outdoors . This latest BEA data confirms the compelling case for the outdoor recreation economy as a powerful driver of both GDP and jobs ,” says Julie Sutton , senior director of government affairs and global impact , VF Corporation . “ The data also shows that a deep love for the outdoors is shared across the country . As this industry builds connections to people across the US , VF and its brands are committed to supporting a thriving recreation economy for everyone .”

“ It comes as no surprise that outdoor recreation and the outdoor economy continue to demonstrate outstanding growth , which also supports the historic trends in outdoor participation we have seen in recent years ,” says Kent Ebersole , president , Outdoor Industry Association . “ The outdoor recreation participant base grew for the eighth consecutive year to a record 168.1 million participants , and new participants are increasingly diverse and looking to businesses to lead on sustainability , equity , and conservation . This new data demonstrates the strength of the outdoor recreation industry and our collective power to drive sustainable economic growth while protecting – and growing access to – the benefits of the outdoors for everyone .”

“ The BEA ’ s numbers support the rapid expansion we ’ ve seen firsthand in the off-road and overlanding industries . While motorized recreation is a lifestyle and passion for millions of Americans , the money that OHV and overlanding enthusiasts invest in their vehicles is a key economic driver of the $ 1.08 trillion annual outdoor recreation economy ,” says Mike Spagnola , CEO , Specialty Equipment Market Association . “ Motorized recreation is a major employer in gateway communities and throughout the county where specialty aftermarket businesses manufacture , install , and sell parts that upgrade everything from SUVs to trucks to OHVs with wheels and tires , suspension upgrades , lift kits , winches , lighting products , and more .”

America ’ s outdoor recreation community , represented by ORR , continues to support the Outdoor Recreation Satellite Account ( ORSA ) – the project compiling and releasing this data . The goal is to provide annual data on the economic importance of national and regional outdoor recreation economies that can be tracked for years to come .