Story perspectives

Outdoor Recreation Hits $1.3 Trillion, Faces Growth Challenges

3/10/2026

Summary

Story summary

The Bureau of Economic Analysis reported that the outdoor recreation industry generated $1.3 trillion in economic output in 2024, accounting for 2.4% of U.S. GDP and supporting 5.2 million jobs.
Growth slowed to 2.7% in 2024 from 5.3% in 2023, even as national park visitation set a record.
In Wyoming, outdoor recreation contributed $2.3 billion, or 4.5% of the state's GDP.
Industry leaders urge government support to sustain growth amid inflation and supply chain challenges.

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Story summary

The Bureau of Economic Analysis reported that the outdoor recreation industry generated $1.3 trillion in economic output in 2024, accounting for 2.4% of U.S. GDP and supporting 5.2 million jobs.
Growth slowed to 2.7% in 2024 from 5.3% in 2023, even as national park visitation set a record.
In Wyoming, outdoor recreation contributed $2.3 billion, or 4.5% of the state's GDP.
Industry leaders urge government support to sustain growth amid inflation and supply chain challenges.