Commerce report says Maine’s outdoor recreation economy grew 16.5% in 2022

PORTLAND PRESS HERALD • November 20, 2023

Maine’s outdoor recreation economy grew by 16.5% from 2021 to 2022, according to a new report by the U.S. Department of Commerce’s Bureau of Economic Analysis. Collectively, outdoor recreation – which encompasses a variety of activities, including fishing, hunting, skiing and RVing – generated $3.3 billion in 2022. That’s nearly 4% of the state’s gross domestic product. Only five other states had higher percentages. Overall, the outdoor recreation industry supported approximately 32,000 jobs in 2022, a 7% increase over 2021. “Outdoor recreation is the heartbeat of our state’s economy,” said Jenny Kordick, executive director of Maine Outdoor Brands.