Our interpretation of OIA’s The Outdoor Recreation Economy 2012 report

First off, we are grateful to have such comprehensive analysts of our beloved industry.  This report while is broad, covers the spectrum of outdoor activities and narrows down into some key figures.  For our interpretation, here are what we see key findings within size, growth and job impact:

• Consumer spending in the industry as a whole, reached $646 billion and employs 6.1 million Americans
• Outdoor recreational products represent $120 billion and trips/travel are the lion share at $524 billion
• Only 2 industries are larger, Health Care and Financial Services. The outdoor industry is almost 2x larger the the Motor Vehicle business
• Those 6.1 billion jobs listed in the first bullet represent the largest American job category, period.
• Growth since 2005 has been a steady 5% or enormous $32 billion dollars.
• 725 million visits to State Parks annually. Not sure yet where National Parks stands.

See the full report by clicking  HERE