AUGUSTA, Maine – The U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis (BEA) has released new economic data highlighting the powerful economic impact of outdoor recreation in Maine. In 2024, the sector generated $3.9 billion in value added, accounting for 4% of the state’s GDP and supporting more than 32,000 jobs. This is the largest recorded measure for Maine since the BEA started calculating the size of the outdoor recreation economy in 2012. According to newly revised data in this year’s release, the outdoor recreation economy in Maine has almost doubled since then.
At the national level, these new figures show that outdoor recreation generated $1.3 trillion in economic output (2.4% of GDP) and accounted for 5.2 million jobs in 2024.
This is the eighth consecutive year that BEA has released government data on this critical industry sector. Today’s release confirms the role of outdoor recreation as a central contributor to thriving economies, healthy people and connected communities.
Maine’s Key Economic Highlights for 2024:
- Outdoor recreation made up 4% of Maine’s economy – ranking Maine 6th in the country in the value that outdoor recreation contributed to statewide GDP
- Outdoor recreation comprises 4.8% of all Maine employees – ranking 7th in the nation
- Manufacturing of outdoor recreation gear and equipment contributed $349 million, up from $323 million in 2023 — an 8% increase.
Top activities that contributed to Maine’s GDP in 2024:
- Boating and fishing — $390 million
- RVing — $262 million
- Multi-use apparel/accessories — $240 million
- Guided tours/outfitted travel — $114 million (+ 17% growth over 2023)
- Snow activities — $103 million
- Hunting/shooting/trapping — $64 million (+37% over 2023)
- Climbing/hiking/tent camping — $52 million
- Motorcycling/ATVing — $37 million
“The latest data reinforces what many of us see every day: Outdoor recreation is central to Maine’s identity and a powerful economic driver,” said Jenny Kordick, executive director of Maine Outdoor Brands. “Maine continues to rank among national leaders, but it’s also a reminder we can’t take this sector for granted. Outdoor recreation supports our economy, quality of life, and communities across the state. The opportunity ahead is enormous, and continued investment in access, outdoor infrastructure, and innovative businesses will help ensure Maine remains a premier place to live, work and build a business connected to the outdoors.”
“Each year, the BEA numbers help inform Maine’s outdoor recreation [OREC] industry about the vital areas of our OREC economy, from outdoor gear manufacturing and retail to experiences like ATVing, skiing, camping, cycling and boating,” said Jeff McCabe, director of the Maine Office of Outdoor Recreation. “These important measures, combined with the work to implement the state’s Outdoor Recreation Roadmap, will guide strategic planning and investments for a strong and sustainable future.”
The new BEA data showcases how outdoor recreation continues to play an increasingly important role in Maine’s economy. The sector has the potential to support employment, bolster local communities and contribute to long-term economic stability across the state. For further BEA details on outdoor recreation economic statistics for Maine, click here. The U.S. Department of Commerce’s Bureau of Economic Analysis plans to release 2025 data in the fall.
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About the Maine Office of Outdoor Recreation
Maine’s Office of Outdoor Recreation (MOOR) was permanently established in 2019 to leverage Maine’s assets and outdoor recreation heritage to grow the outdoor recreation economy and build Maine’s outdoor recreation brand as part of a coordinated effort with partners from the public and private sectors. Maine is a member of the Confluence of States, a coalition of 21 states working to strengthen the outdoor recreation industry.
About Maine Outdoor Brands
Maine Outdoor Brands (MOB) continues to work to unite, grow, and give a voice to the state’s outdoor recreation industry, supporting knowledge sharing, collaborative marketing and commerce efforts, and access to professional resources. MOB is committed to seeing Maine-based products, services and retail brands thrive, and today has over 200 member brands that are a part of the mission.