Colorado outdoor recreation industry worth $17.2B
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Outdoor recreation's impact on Colorado's economy surged to $17.2 billion in 2023, a 24% increase from the prior year.
Why it matters: The industry's growth continues post-pandemic and now accounts for 3.2% of the state's economy — up from 2.8% in 2022, according to a U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis report released Wednesday.
Driving the news : Colorado's outdoor recreation industry and related tourism contributed 132,500 jobs, or 4.3% of total employment in 2023.
- Snow activities — including skiing and snowmobiling — are the lion's share of the impact, accounting for $1.6 billion in economic value, followed by boating and fishing at $689 million and RVing at $553 million.
By the numbers: Colorado ranks first in the nation for economic impact from snow sports and 10th for outdoor recreation's contribution to the state economy.
What they're saying: "It's great to see these trend lines," said Conor Hall, the director of Colorado's outdoor recreation office. "With this data, we can pretty clearly say the outdoor recreation economy has been a bright spot — really a consistent and steady area of growth … from the pandemic."
The big picture: The outdoor recreation industry is now valued at $1.2 trillion nationwide, accounting for 2.3% of the U.S. economy and 5 million jobs, the BEA report found.
- The 3.6% year-over-year growth exceeded the U.S. economy as a whole, which grew at 2.9% in 2023.
- The top activities at the national level are boating and fishing and RVing, while the fastest growing are bicycling, snow sports and hunting.
- Snow sports ranked No. 5 with a $7.7 billion national economic impact.
Between the lines: Outdoor advocates created the Great American Outdoors Act, passed in 2020, to invest billions in upgrading the nation's national parks.
- The funding for repairs and maintenance expires in 2025 and conservationists are pushing for its reauthorization.
What's next: Public lands advocates are pushing Congress to finalize approval of the EXPLORE Act, which passed the U.S. House in April. The legislation represents the largest measure ever to support outdoor recreation and would update management policies and invest more money in recreational spaces.