Recent economic data released by the Department of Commerce’s Bureau of Economic Analysis (BEA) shows the significance of the outdoor industry – and boating in particular – to the U.S. economy. This credible data carries extra weight when it comes to advancing policies and laws that benefit recreational boaters.
The numbers:
- Outdoor recreation accounted for $412 billion of the U.S. gross domestic product, representing 2.2 percent of the overall GDP.
- This translates to 4.5 million jobs with compensation of $214 billion in the same year.
- Outdoor recreation contribution to GDP is greater than farming, mining or public utilities, and is comparable to broadcasting/telecommunications.
- Recreational boating and fishing accounted for $36.93 billion of that total, the single largest category of activities identified in the report.
“As we work for boaters in Washington and state capitals, this data will help policymakers understand that boating is more than just fun on the water,” said BoatUS Manager of Government Affairs David Kennedy. “For boaters, the BEA data will help BoatUS advocate for laws and policies that support access to waterways and help boaters enjoy a variety of water-based recreation activities.”
The BEA report can be found at www.bea.gov
