Type: OIA Press Room

BOULDER, CO (April 18, 2024) – A member-led collective and the outdoor industry’s catalyst for meaningful change, Outdoor Industry Association (OIA) today announced its lineup of education sessions and connection opportunities at the Outdoor Retailer Summer show in Salt Lake City, Utah, June 17-19,  2024. The lineup will address critical and intersectional topics including market and consumer trends, sustainability, advocacy, and participation.

“Our education sessions at Outdoor Retailer reflect the industry’s most pressing issues, empowering businesses to apply expert guidance, proven solutions, and new skills to drive growth and catalyze positive change for the outdoor industry,” said OIA President Kent Ebersole. “From addressing inclusivity barriers in the outdoors and leveraging data for business success to innovating sustainable products and advocating for cost-saving trade policies, our team will provide attendees with the strategies and insights needed to lead their brands into the future of the outdoors.”

On day one of the show, OIA Research Director Kelly Davis and Circana experts will explore Outdoor Retail Sales Trends, revealing forecasted trends for the year ahead and strategies for specialty retailers to leverage retail sales data to make informed decisions and drive revenue growth. In How to Comply with Sustainability Standards, attendees will will learn how to navigate emerging regulations and compliance standards. During the session Circularity and its Future in the Outdoor Industry, attendees will gain a comprehensive understanding of circular business models, technologies, and legislative implications. They’ll also learn actionable ways to align their business strategy to inclusive growth in the session Stories From Community Leaders: What It Takes to Build Outdoor Access for All.

The following day, OIA will release its 2024 Outdoor Participation Trends Report and delve into the latest trends in outdoor recreation participation, covering who’s doing what, when, and how outdoors. In the session The Essentials of Advocacy: Navigating Your Path to Impact, experts will lead an in-depth exploration of the policy landscape, why it’s relevant to outdoor businesses, and how brands can drive change at scale. Workforce Trends for Emerging Brands will showcase innovative strategies that small and medium-sized businesses can utilize to recruit, retain, and engage their employees. During Sustainable Business Innovation: Collaborating to Protect the Planet, attendees will learn how outdoor brands are coming together to address sustainability challenges and protect the outdoor experience upon which we all depend. Designed specifically for those new to trade policy, the session Trade Policy 101: Demystifying Supply Chain and Customs Compliance will provide attendees with the insights and tools to successfully navigate the world of international trade, including supply chain logistics, customs regulations, and trade policy.

To view the complete lineup of OIA educational opportunities at this summer’s Outdoor Retailer show, visit OIA’s website. Interested attendees can register for the show here and join OIA to empower their businesses to lead the outdoor industry toward a sustainable and inclusive future.

About the Outdoor Industry Association

Based in Boulder, Colo., with offices in Washington, D.C., Outdoor Industry Association (OIA) is a catalyst for meaningful change. A member-based collective, OIA is a passionate group of business leaders, climate experts, policymakers, and outdoor enthusiasts committed to sustainable economic growth and climate positivity while protecting – and growing access to – the benefits of the outdoors for everyone. For more than 30 years, OIA has catalyzed a thriving outdoor industry by supporting the success of every member company across four critically aligned areas: market research, sustainability, government affairs, and inclusive participation. OIA delivers success for its members through education, events, and business services in the form of solutions and strategies, consultation, collaboration, and opportunities for collective action. For more information, visit outdoorindustry.org

 

The outdoor industry has been hit with $1.7 billion dollars in additional tariffs due to a lack of GSP renewal. OIA urges Congress to quickly pass this important legislation. 

Wednesday, April 17, 2024 – Following the successful House markup of the Generalized System of Preferences (GSP) Reform Act (H.R. 7986), Outdoor Industry Association (OIA) extends its full support to this pivotal legislation introduced by House Ways & Means Trade Subcommittee Chairman Adrian Smith. OIA recognizes this bill as a significant endorsement of American values, protection for U.S. workers, and a boon for domestic companies. OIA emphasizes the urgent need for Congressional action on this bill to support the trillion-dollar outdoor recreation economy.

The GSP Reform Act is essential for the continued growth of the outdoor recreation industry and the ability of companies to grow jobs in the U.S. The bill not only seeks to retroactively renew GSP through 2030 but also proposes significant reforms to fortify the program. These reforms are crucial for the outdoor companies, modernizing the program to ensure key products remain in the program and encouraging further movement of supply chains out of China.

“The Generalized System of Preferences Reform Act (H.R. 7986) represents a significant endorsement of American values and workers, and U.S.-based companies. Since the expiration of the GSP in 2020, the outdoor industry has endured the burden of approximately $1.7 billion in additional tariffs, stifling innovation, job growth, and creating offshore manufacturing disruptions. OIA and its members applaud Congressmen Smith and the House Ways and Means Committee on advancing this critical legislation and urge Congress to swiftly pass the bill to ensure the vitality of the one trillion-dollar U.S. outdoor recreation economy. said Kent Ebersole, President, Outdoor Industry Association. “OIA looks forward to working with our champions in Congress and the Administration to advance this landmark bill.”

Additionally, the GSP Reform Act incorporates new criteria aimed at upholding international human rights standards and fostering adherence to U.S. values among beneficiary countries. By introducing these measures, the legislation ensures that the GSP program serves as a tool for promoting democracy, good governance, and anti-corruption practices while safeguarding the national security and foreign policy interests of the United States.

Included in the GSP Reform Act are updates to the Competitive Needs Limitation (CNL), which increases the dollar threshold and indexes that threshold to inflation, to improve the program’s usefulness to incentivize supply chain shifts out of China. CNL reform is crucial to the success of many outdoor businesses. In September of 2023, OIA Member Black Diamond testified before Congress in support of GSP and CNL reform. In Congressman Adrian Smith’s opening statement, he said, “We heard a concern from the outdoor product company Black Diamond, that outdated provisions on Competitive Needs Limitations could inhibit the usefulness of the GSP program to shift supply chains out of China. I am proud to say this bill includes much-needed reforms to GSP’s CNL provisions. Both Representatives Black Moore (R-UT) and Suzan DelBene (D-WA) have been leaders in getting these important reforms included here today.”

The outdoor industry has long benefitted from the GSP program. GSP offers duty-free importation of goods from designated beneficiary countries, resulting in cost savings and a competitive edge for companies in the sector. Companies within the outdoor industry that utilize GSP can maintain quality and drive innovation in their products while fostering trade relations and growing U.S.-based jobs. GSP also indirectly promotes sustainable practices within supply chains, aligning with the industry’s commitment to environmental responsibility. However, with the lapse of the program in 2020, these benefits of the program have not been realized by the industry, and billions of dollars have been paid in duties, stifling innovation and hurting U.S. companies.

Outdoor Industry Association urges Congress to swiftly pass the GSP Reform Act, recognizing its critical role in revitalizing American values, promoting economic prosperity, and advancing the interests of U.S. workers and companies. This landmark legislation represents a pivotal moment in reaffirming America’s commitment to fair trade practices, sustainable development, and global leadership.

 

About the Outdoor Industry Association

Based in Boulder, Colo., with offices in Washington, D.C., Outdoor Industry Association (OIA) is a catalyst for meaningful change. A member-based collective, OIA is a passionate group of business leaders, climate experts, policymakers, and outdoor enthusiasts committed to sustainable economic growth and climate positivity while protecting – and growing access to – the benefits of the outdoors for everyone. For more than 30 years, OIA has catalyzed a thriving outdoor industry by supporting the success of every member company across four critically aligned areas: market research, sustainability, government affairs, and inclusive participation. OIA delivers success for its members through education, events, and business services in the form of solutions and strategies, consultation, collaboration, and opportunities for collective action. For more information, visit outdoorindustry.org

Tuesday, April 9, 2024 – The House of Representatives has passed H.R. 6492, the Expanding Public Lands Outdoor Recreation Experiences Act (EXPLORE) Act, in a significant move towards enhancing public land access and promoting outdoor recreation opportunities across the country. Introduced by House Committee on Natural Resources Chairman Bruce Westerman (R-Ark.) and Ranking Member Raúl Grijalva (D-Ariz.), the EXPLORE Act is a bipartisan package of recreation bills that aim to address barriers to access for veterans, people with disabilities, and underserved populations, streamline permitting processes for guides and outfitters, and support and enhance recreation opportunities on our public lands. 

“We are thrilled to see Congress taking action to ensure each American has the opportunity to enjoy outdoor spaces in their own community, bolster economic growth, and advance mental and physical health benefits for all,” said Kent Ebersole, president of Outdoor Industry Association. “The outdoor recreation economy continues to soar to new levels, accounting for over $1 trillion in consumer spending and demonstrating participant growth for the eighth consecutive year. This is an important inflection point. We must modernize, preserve, and increase access to the public lands and waterways – regardless of where someone lives or works – and support more than five million employees who help drive our industry forward.”  

The EXPLORE Act is a companion bill to S.873, America’s Outdoor Recreation Act (AORA), which passed the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee in May of 2023. AORA and EXPLORE represent the strong bicameral and bipartisan collaboration across chambers to advance policies supporting outdoor recreation. The passage of the EXPLORE Act through the House marks a significant milestone in the ongoing efforts to enhance outdoor recreation opportunities, improve public land access, and support economic growth in rural communities. As the legislation advances further, bipartisan collaboration and stakeholder engagement will be essential in realizing its potential benefits for individuals, businesses, and the environment. 

Participating brands gain access to trusted insights to rise above the competition.

BOULDER, CO (April 4, 2024) – A member-led collective and the outdoor industry’s catalyst for meaningful change, Outdoor Industry Association (OIA) today announced a new Outdoor Brand Benchmarking Study, which focuses on key finance and business operations benchmarks to help brands understand their position in the market compared to competitors and make informed decisions to drive growth and profitability.

Participants will receive the full results from the study in OIA’s Outdoor Brand Benchmarking Report, which includes:

• Financial Performance: Key financial ratios and detailed indicators across Profit and Loss, Balance Sheet, and Cash Flow statements, such as revenue growth, profit margins, inventory turnover, and cash cycle.
• Business Operations: Benchmarks focus on metrics such as SKU count, sales channel mix, marketing mix and ROI, sourcing mix, number of employees, and sales per employee.
• Actionable Best Practices: Tailored strategies cover revenue and profit optimization, asset management, marketing and sales, sourcing and manufacturing, employee productivity, and innovation.
• Targeted Insights: Groupings by company size and product line help pinpoint opportunities within specific industry segments and compared to top performers.

“In an evolving and dynamic market, it’s crucial to know where your business stands versus the competition. Participating in this study provides brands with the strategic intelligence needed to drive growth, efficiency, and profitability,” said Kent Ebersole, President of OIA. “Our report ensures decision-makers have access to relevant data for all major business functions so that they can gauge the effectiveness of business operations, set internal goals, and be an industry leader.”

Participating in the study is easy and secure. As the sole and trusted source for finance and business operations benchmarks in the outdoor industry, OIA ensures that information is held confidential and anonymized by third-party survey administrator Qualtrics. Entering company data is straightforward through a secure survey link and takes just 90 minutes to complete. Participants have the flexibility to pause and resume the survey at their convenience and share it within their organization for collaboration.

OIA invites brands to join the benchmarking study to access data worth tens of thousands of dollars, unavailable anywhere else, and position their brand for success. Brands do not have to be OIA members to participate. The deadline to complete the study is May 8th, and participation is free. Interested brands can learn more and sign up here.

About Outdoor Industry Association

Based in Boulder, Colo., with offices in Washington, D.C., Outdoor Industry Association (OIA) is a catalyst for meaningful change. A member-based collective, OIA is a passionate group of business leaders, climate experts, policymakers, and outdoor enthusiasts committed to sustainable economic growth and climate positivity while protecting – and growing access to – the benefits of the outdoors for everyone. For more than 30 years, OIA has catalyzed a thriving outdoor industry by supporting the success of every member company across four critically aligned areas: market research, sustainability, government affairs, and inclusive participation. OIA delivers success for its members through education, events, and business services in the form of solutions and strategies, consultation, collaboration, and opportunities for collective action. For more information, visit outdoorindustry.org.

BOULDER, CO (March 19, 2024) – A member-led collective and the outdoor industry’s catalyst for meaningful change, Outdoor Industry Association (OIA) today released key insights from its new 2024 Outdoor Retail Sales Trends Report. Produced in partnership with Circana, the leading advisor on the complexity of consumer behavior, the report details 2023 US retail sales trends in chain, e-commerce, and specialty channels across major outdoor product categories including apparel, footwear, accessories, and equipment.

 Key findings from the report include the following:

• The market was down 3% to $27.5 billion in total outdoor retail sales 
• All three retail channels experienced declines, with at least half of Independent Outdoor Specialty Retailers suffering a double-digit decline in dollars sold
• Three of the four major product categories contracted (Apparel, Footwear, Equipment), while the Accessories category grew
• New, more casual participants are changing the product mix in the outdoor market

“Overall, while the outdoor market faced challenges in 2023, there remains great opportunity for growth by understanding emerging market and consumer trends,” said Kent Ebersole, President of OIA. “Our new partnership with Circana provides our members with the turnkey access and insights needed to make informed decisions, adapt quickly to a changing landscape, and drive growth.”

“Circana is thrilled to partner with OIA on this valuable initiative giving association members streamlined access to a holistic, 360-degree view of outdoor market retail sales and trends,” said Michele Arnold, vice president of sports equipment at Circana. “With data collected directly from retailers and covering nearly 600 product categories, Circana is the leading provider of retail trends data to the outdoor market and beyond.” 

OIA’s new membership benefit equips industry brands with retail sales data at scalable levels to fit individual business needs, including monthly and annual access, along with exclusive insights, education, and training. Full membership benefits are detailed here.

To provide deeper analysis and insights, OIA will also host a free webinar on Thursday, March 21st, 2024 featuring industry experts and channel leaders as they discuss the dominant retail trends of 2023, forecasted trends for 2024, and strategies for success in the outdoor industry. Panelists include Travis Campbell, Owner and CEO of Eagle Creek, and Hy Rosario, Director of Outdoor at HOKA, as well as a presentation from Matthew Tucker, Director of Client Development for Circana.

Download the Executive Summary of the 2024 Outdoor Retail Sales Trends Report here.

About Outdoor Industry Association  

Based in Boulder, Colo., with offices in Washington, D.C., Outdoor Industry Association (OIA) is a catalyst for meaningful change. A member-based collective, OIA is a passionate group of business leaders, climate experts, policy makers, and outdoor enthusiasts committed to sustainable economic growth and climate positivity while protecting – and growing access to – the benefits of the outdoors for everyone. For more than 30 years, OIA has catalyzed a thriving outdoor industry by supporting the success of every member company across four critically aligned areas: market research, sustainability, government affairs, and inclusive participation. OIA delivers success for its members through education, events, and business services in the form of solutions and strategies, consultation, collaboration, and opportunities for collective action. For more information, visit outdoorindustry.org

About Circana

Circana is the leading advisor on the complexity of consumer behavior. Through unparalleled technology, advanced analytics, cross-industry data, and deep expertise, we provide clarity that helps almost 7,000 of the world’s leading brands and retailers take action and unlock business growth. We understand more about the complete consumer, the complete store, and the complete wallet so our clients can go beyond the data to apply insights, ignite innovation, meet consumer demand, and outpace the competition. Learn more at www.circana.com.

Media Contact: Chris Denny / Denny, ink. / 435-655-1609 / chris@dennyink.com

BOULDER – Reports of a new Office of Outdoor Industry and Experiences in Connecticut today were praised by outdoor industry stakeholders across the country, including Outdoor Industry Association president, Kent Ebersole, who issued the following statement:

“From coast to coast, it is encouraging to see the growing number of states prioritizing their local outdoor recreation economies,” said Kent Ebersole, president of Outdoor Industry Association. “The reason for this momentum is simple: the outdoor recreation economy accounts for more than $1 trillion in consumer spending nationwide and supports more than five million hard-working employees and their families across the nation. Furthermore, the number of Americans who participate in the outdoors has increased to new heights for eight consecutive years, with over 56% of the population getting outside. We welcome the state of Connecticut to this movement and look forward to working with policymakers there to increase access to public lands and waterways, advance conservation efforts, and increase outdoor participation, so everyone can experience the benefits from spending time outdoors.”

Duncan to reinforce Foundation’s mission of getting people outside for their health, the health of communities, and the health of the outdoor industry

BOULDER, CO (January 8th, 2024) –  Outdoor Foundation (OF), the philanthropic arm of Outdoor Industry Association (OIA), is proud to welcome Lesford Duncan, MPH, as its new Executive Director. Lesford joins the Foundation with over a decade of experience in public management in government and nonprofit sectors. A proven and collaborative leader in outdoor equity and youth development, he has leveraged philanthropy, nonprofit leadership, and programmatic best practices to promote the resilience and well-being of children, families, and communities. His previous roles include Senior Director of Programs and Associate Executive Director at Outdoor Outreach and most recently the Chief Executive Officer of the Greening Youth Foundation, the international nonprofit working to cultivate the next generation of diverse environmental leaders.

Throughout his career, Duncan has worked to lead and support coalitions and develop innovative programs addressing issues at the intersection of outdoor recreation, environmental justice, and health. He has led and collaborated on local, state, and federal public policy efforts to reduce barriers to outdoor access, advocate for equitable conservation and environmental justice, and promote the health and well-being of communities. He has also worked closely with the Outdoor Foundation over the past four years, supporting Thrive Outside Communities in San Diego and Atlanta, and serving as a board member of the Outdoor Foundation.

Through community grant-making and groundbreaking research, the Outdoor Foundation works with partners across the country to address equity barriers and help make the outdoors accessible for all. The Foundation’s Thrive Outside Community Initiative awards multi-year, capacity-building grants to diverse communities to create repeat and reinforcing positive outdoor experiences for children and families. The core goal of the Thrive Outside Community Initiative is to create healthy individuals, communities, and economies by making the outdoors a key component of daily life. 

“Lesford brings to this role an impressive track record of creating outdoor opportunities for children, youth, and families who have faced barriers to making the outdoors a part of their lives,” said Amy Dominguez-Arms, Outdoor Foundation Board Chair. “The board is excited to work with Lesford to expand our support for Thrive Outside Communities – where diverse civic leaders are mobilizing and coordinating resources to make meaningful outdoor experiences available to all. With Lesford at the helm, we look forward to capitalizing on our valuable partnership with OIA to magnify our impact in the years ahead.” 

“With the support of the Outdoor Foundation board and team, I am honored to lead the Foundation and to contribute to a mission that resonates deeply with me; fostering deep and sustained relationships between communities and nature, and cultivating a more inclusive outdoors where we all find joy, recreation, and well-being,” said Duncan. “Together, with the talented team at the Outdoor Foundation and our partners at OIA, we look forward to supporting collaborative and innovative efforts to increase outdoor access and promote community health through outdoor recreation.”

Duncan is an avid kayaker, ultramarathon runner, and mountaineer. Born to Jamaican parents who instilled in him the values of adventure, persistence, and curiosity, he is proud to have placed a small Jamaican flag at Mt. Everest Base Camp. The Outdoor Foundation looks to a promising future strengthening the multitude of networks that build accessibility and inclusivity in the outdoors with Duncan at the helm.

 

About Outdoor Foundation

The Outdoor Foundation, the philanthropic arm of Outdoor Industry Association, is a national 501(C)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to getting people outside for their health, the health of communities, and the health of the outdoor industry. Through community investment and groundbreaking research, the Outdoor Foundation works to create a more inclusive and accessible outdoor experience for all. Visit outdoorfoundation.org for more information.

About the Outdoor Industry Association

Based in Boulder, Colo., with offices in Washington, D.C., Outdoor Industry Association (OIA) is a catalyst for meaningful change. A member-based collective, OIA is a passionate group of business leaders, climate experts, policymakers, and outdoor enthusiasts committed to sustainable economic growth and climate positivity while protecting – and growing access to – the benefits of the outdoors for everyone. For more than 30 years, OIA has catalyzed a thriving outdoor industry by supporting the success of every member company across four critically aligned areas: market research, sustainability, government affairs, and inclusive participation. OIA delivers success for its members through education, events, and business services in the form of solutions and strategies, consultation, collaboration, and opportunities for collective action. For more information, visit outdoorindustry.org

BOULDER, Colo. (November 29, 2023) – Outdoor Industry Association (OIA) President Kent Ebersole today released the following statement commending the introduction of the Expanding Public Lands Outdoor Recreation Experiences (EXPLORE) Act in the U.S. House:

“We are thrilled to see Congress taking bipartisan action to ensure each American has the opportunity to enjoy outdoor spaces in their own community, bolster economic growth, and advance mental and physical health benefits for all, and thank House Committee on Natural Resources Chairman Westerman and Ranking Member Grijalva for their leadership on this bill. The outdoor recreation economy continues to soar to new levels, accounting for over $1 trillion in consumer spending and demonstrating participant growth for the eighth consecutive year. This is an important inflection point. We must modernize, preserve, and increase access to the public lands and waterways – regardless of where someone lives or works – and support more than five million employees who help drive our industry forward.”

Since its initial introduction by the Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources in 2021, OIA has also strongly advocated for the companion America’s Outdoor Recreation Act which aims to bring green spaces to more people and expand access to the great outdoors.

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About the Outdoor Industry Association

Based in Boulder, Colo., with offices in Washington, D.C., Outdoor Industry Association (OIA) is a catalyst for meaningful change. A member-based collective, OIA is a passionate group of business leaders, climate experts, policy makers and outdoor enthusiasts committed to sustainable economic growth and climate positivity while protecting – and growing access to – the benefits of the outdoors for everyone. For more than 30 years, OIA has catalyzed a thriving outdoor industry by supporting the success of every member company across four critically aligned areas: market research, sustainability, government affairs, and inclusive participation. OIA delivers success for its members through education, events, and business services in the form of solutions and strategies, consultation, collaboration, and opportunities for collective action. For more information, visit outdoorindustry.org.

BOULDER, CO (November 27, 2023) – A member-led collective and the outdoor industry’s catalyst for meaningful change, Outdoor Industry Association (OIA) today proudly announces that Julie M.H. Brown has joined the team as Director of Sustainable Business Innovation. In her new role, Brown will direct and manage OIA’s sustainability department in its mission to unite, empower and guide the outdoor industry to become climate positive by 2030.

Along with driving all OIA sustainability initiatives into the future, Brown will oversee OIA’s Climate Action Corps, the consortium consisting of over 75 outdoor businesses that has already made significant and crucial progress on measuring, setting targets, reducing emissions, and advocating for bold policy action in Congress. She will also lead OIA’s Clean Chemistry and Materials Coalition (CCMC), the comprehensive program that provides OIA members with strategies, scalable action plans, and solutions for thoughtfully phasing out PFAS and other harmful chemicals from their products.

“Julie brings to OIA almost two decades of environmental sustainability experience at the nexus of policy, business and technology. Her knowledge in this critical area will be vital as we continue to provide meaningful council, education, and pragmatic programs to our members,” said Kent Ebersole, President of OIA.

Brown brings a wealth of experience in sustainability to OIA, with a long history of working with brands in the apparel and outdoor markets, where she executed sustainability strategies for global brands, technology companies, and circular economy partners. Most recently she served as Head of Sustainability for EON, a technology company leading the development of cloud-based digital identities for products. Prior to that, Brown worked as Director of the Higg Index at the Sustainable Apparel Coalition, where she collaborated directly with OIA to launch and optimize the Higg Index for the outdoor industry.

“The outdoor industry is uniquely positioned to drive meaningful impact and inspire profound change through sustainable innovation, advocacy, and research. In today’s world, transparency in sustainability performance is not just a choice; it’s a necessity,” said Brown. “I am truly honored to be a part of the OIA team and am looking forward to collaborating with our members to help them achieve their crucial sustainability objectives.”

“Collectively we can create more sustainable practices to ensure the outdoor industry is successful for the health of business, people, and the planet,” Ebersole added.

About Outdoor Industry Association

Based in Boulder, Colo., with offices in Washington, D.C., Outdoor Industry Association (OIA) is a catalyst for meaningful change. A member-based collective, OIA is a passionate group of business leaders, climate experts, policy makers and outdoor enthusiasts committed to sustainable economic growth and climate positivity while protecting – and growing access to – the benefits of the outdoors for everyone. For more than 30 years, OIA has catalyzed a thriving outdoor industry by supporting the success of every member company across four critically aligned areas: market research, sustainability, government affairs, and inclusive participation. OIA delivers success for its members through education, events, and business services in the form of solutions and strategies, consultation, collaboration, and opportunities for collective action. For more information, visit outdoorindustry.org

 

 

BOULDER, Colo. – Today, the U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis (BEA) released new data showcasing the tremendous impact of outdoor recreation on America’s economy. In 2022, the BEA found that outdoor recreation accounted for $1.1 trillion in gross economic output, 2.2% of gross domestic product (GDP), and supported 5 million jobs across the United States.  

“It comes as no surprise that outdoor recreation and the outdoor economy continue to demonstrate outstanding growth, which also supports the historic trends in outdoor participation we have seen in recent years,” said OIA President Kent Ebersole. “The outdoor recreation participant base grew for the eighth consecutive year to a record 168.1 million participants, and new participants are increasingly diverse and looking to businesses to lead on sustainability, equity, and conservation. This new data demonstrates the strength of the outdoor recreation industry and our collective power to drive sustainable economic growth while protecting – and growing access to – the benefits of the outdoors for everyone.”  

BEA launched its outdoor recreation economy project in 2017 to “deepen the public’s understanding of the economic impact of outdoor recreation, inform decision making, and improve governance and long-term management of public lands and waters.” 

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About the Outdoor Industry Association  

Based in Boulder, Colo., with offices in Washington, D.C., Outdoor Industry Association (OIA) is a catalyst for meaningful change. A member-based collective, OIA is a passionate group of business leaders, climate experts, policy makers and outdoor enthusiasts committed to sustainable economic growth and climate positivity while protecting – and growing access to – the benefits of the outdoors for everyone. For more than 30 years, OIA has catalyzed a thriving outdoor industry by supporting the success of every member company across four critically aligned areas: market research, sustainability, government affairs, and inclusive participation. OIA delivers success for its members through education, events, and business services in the form of solutions and strategies, consultation, collaboration, and opportunities for collective action. For more information, visit outdoorindustry.org.