US BEA: Alaska and Hawaii Benefit Most From Outdoor Recreation

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The US Bureau of Economic Analysis has released its estimates of the economic impact of outdoor recreation on the states. Utilizing 2024 data, The BEA economists measured “(1) conventional activities such as bicycling, boating, hiking, and hunting; (2) other activities such as gardening and outdoor concerts; and (3) supporting activities such as construction, travel and tourism, local trips, and government expenditures”, and concluded that the outdoor recreation industry contributed 2.4% to US GDP in 2024. At the state level, Hawaii and Alaska enjoyed the greatest percentage contribution from outdoor recreation at 6.1% and 5.3% of GDP, respectively. In the lower 48, Montana posted the highest value added from outdoor recreation at 4.9%, and New York and Delaware the lowest at 1.6% each (DC was 1%). The below exhibit is reproduced from the press release.



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