The Outdoor Industry Association recently released their Outdoor Recreation Economy report that details the impact of spending on the nation’s GDP. Playing with Power BI using the topline report, you can see further drilldown on the data below.

Report key findings:

“A sector woven deep into the fabric of local communities across the country, the outdoor recreation economy generates $887 billion in consumer spending annually, sustains 7.6 million American jobs and generates $65.3 billion in federal tax revenue and $59.2 billion in state and local tax revenue each year. “

• Every year, American consumers spend more on outdoor recreation ($887 billion) than they do on education ($278 billion), gasoline and fuels ($304 billion), household utilities ($313 billion), motor vehicles and parts ($465 billion) or pharmaceuticals ($466 billion).
• Spending on outdoor recreation far outpaces other popular activities:
  • Water sports gear ($14 billion) versus movie tickets ($11 billion)
  • Trail sports gear ($20 billion) versus home entertainment ($18 billion)
• Outdoor recreation provides significant health benefits and lower public health care costs through physical activity and by reducing stress and obesity rates.
• National parks, national wildlife refuges, national monuments and other public lands and waters account for $45 billion in economic output and about 396,000 jobs nationwide.

My drilldown findings:

• Five categories make up more than half of all activities. Running/jogging, Bicyling (road/paved surfaces), Hiking (day),  Fishing (freshwater), and Camping (within 1/4mi of vehicle/home) combine for 51.41% of all activities.
• Hiking (day),  Fishing (freshwater), and Camping (within 1/4mi of vehicle/home) account for 35.57% of all activities.
• Fishing (all) accounts for 15.18%