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Maine’s Outdoor Recreation Economy Surges with 9% Growth, Contributing $3.4 Billion to State’s GDP, U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis Reports

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

 

Maine’s Outdoor Recreation Economy Surges with 9% Growth, Contributing $3.4 Billion to State’s GDP, U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis Reports

AUGUSTA, ME — November 20 — The U.S. Department of Commerce’s Bureau of Economic Analysis (BEA) has released economic data for 2023 exhibiting outdoor recreation’s positive impact on the U.S. economy. The outdoor recreation economy in Maine grew 9% from 2022 to 2023, according to the BEA Outdoor Recreation Satellite Account. This year’s report shows that outdoor recreation creates $3.4 billion in value-added for Maine, accounts for 3.7% of Maine’s GDP, and includes 29,863 jobs.

This is the seventh 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. These new findings reflect that Maine is ranked #6 of all states in the value outdoor recreation adds to a state’s economy.

Outdoor recreation’s positive economic impact highlights the sector’s growing importance, particularly for rural communities in every state across the country where it supports job creation and community well-being. The industry’s contributions are essential to the economic vitality and health of towns and cities nationwide.

Key factors in how outdoor recreation contributed to Maine’s economy in 2023:

  • Outdoor recreation made up 3.7% of Maine’s economy – making Maine one of the top 10 states in the value that outdoor recreation contributed to statewide GDP
  • 29,863 people work in the outdoor industry in Maine, a 2.7% increase from 2022
  • Maine’s outdoor recreation industry added 783 jobs
  • Manufacturing of outdoor recreation gear and equipment contributed $311 million, a 16.8% increase from 2022
  • Outdoor retail contributed $824 million to Maine’s economy, a 3% increase

Notable activities that contributed to Maine’s GDP in 2023:

  • Boating and Fishing — $384 million 
  • RVing — $265 million 
  • Multi-use Apparel/Accessories (outdoor gear and equipment) — $196 million
  • Snow Activities (includes skiing, snowboarding, snowmobiling) — $108 million 
  • Guided tours/outfitted travel — $97 million  
  • Fishing (excludes boating) — $62 million
  • Climbing/hiking/tent camping — $46 million

Noteworthy Increases over 2022:

  • Snow activities (includes skiing, snowboarding, snowmobiling) — 13% increase
  • While skiing and snowboarding remained stable, other snow activities, such as snowshoeing and snowmobiling, grew 44%
  • Fishing (excludes boating) — 45% increase
  • Canoeing/kayaking — 24% increase
  • Boating and Fishing — 16% increase
  • Climbing/hiking/tent camping — 15% increase
  • Guided tours/outfitted travel — 11% increase

 

“Outdoor recreation is not only a cornerstone of Maine’s identity; it’s a dynamic driver of economic growth,” said Jenny Kordick, Executive Director of Maine Outdoor Brands. “With an increasing demand for outdoor experiences, we’re seeing more innovation and job creation than ever before. By continuing to invest in both our natural landscapes and our growing outdoor businesses, we can build on this momentum and ensure a sustainable, thriving economy for years to come.”

As the BEA numbers reveal, ongoing investment in outdoor experiences is not just beneficial; it’s crucial for the well-being of Maine’s economy. This commitment to investment, collaboration, and momentum is further reinforced by Maine’s 10-Year Outdoor Recreation Economy Roadmap.

“The latest data underscores the significant role outdoor recreation continues to play in Maine’s economic landscape,” said Jeff McCabe, Director of the Maine Office of Outdoor Recreation. “As demand for outdoor activities rises, we must continue to work thoughtfully with the businesses and natural assets to ensure sustainable growth. By strengthening our commitment to these resources, we’ll keep the sector on its upward trajectory, fueling job creation and economic opportunity across the state.”

Maine’s 10-Year Outdoor Recreation Roadmap is a guide to growing and diversifying Maine’s $3.4B outdoor recreation economy over the next ten years. It identifies trends, challenges, and opportunities facing the outdoor recreation economy and outlines a comprehensive suite of strategies to enable the continued success of this vital sector. The Roadmap will be officially unveiled on January 16th in the Hall of Flags at the State House in Augusta. To review the executive summary of the Roadmap visit trailblazerroadmap.com/roadmap/.

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 180 member brands that are a part of the mission. To learn more about MOB and the brands involved, visit maineoutdoorbrands.com.

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