The U.S. Department of Commerce’s Bureau of Economic Analysis released new data last week exhibiting outdoor recreation’s economic impact on New Mexico.
According to the latest data from the BEA Outdoor Recreation Satellite Account, outdoor recreation created $3.2 billion in value added for New Mexico, accounting for 2.4% of New Mexico GDP and 29,182 jobs in 2023.
The BEA report indicates that 2023 has seen the largest recorded increase in New Mexico’s outdoor recreation gross domestic product (GDP) at 6.6% compared to the previous year. Additionally, the industry has experienced steady growth in employment, with over 1,000 new jobs created. The report also highlights increased participation in activities such as hunting and trapping, kayaking and canoeing, and snow sports. The highest economic contributors to the state’s outdoor recreation sector are RVing, boating and fishing, and snow activities.
After assuming office in 2019, Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham identified outdoor recreation as one of nine target industries to grow and diversify New Mexico’s economy. In April 2019, the governor signed a bill creating the state’s first Office of Outdoor Recreation. Since then, the Outdoor Recreation Division has invested $22.4 million in trails and infrastructure projects and awarded $6.4 million in Outdoor Equity Fund grants, getting more than 83,000 youth outside for transformative, educational experiences.
New Mexico Economic Development Department Cabinet Secretary-Designate Rob Black said the governor’s commitment to outdoor recreation is paying dividends for the state.
“The new data shows that outdoor recreation is vital to New Mexico’s economy and the well-being of our communities. This is especially true in our rural areas where it creates jobs, boosts local economies, and enhances health and wellness,” Black said.
A press release highlights some 2023 data on the outdoor recreation economy in New Mexico including a 6.6% increase in 2023 in total outdoor recreation activities.
“The latest BEA data reinforces what we’ve always known here in New Mexico — outdoor recreation is deeply intertwined with our quality of life and a thriving, sustainable economy,” Karina Armijo, director of the New Mexico Outdoor Recreation Division, said. “Investing in outdoor access and stewardship through programs like the Outdoor Equity Fund and Outdoor Recreation Trails+ Grant fosters a healthier, more connected, and resilient future for all New Mexicans.”
At a national level, these new figures show that outdoor recreation generated $1.2 trillion in economic output, $639.5 billion in GDP (2.3% of total GDP), comprised 3.1% of U.S. employees, and accounted for 5 million jobs in 2023. This means the outdoor recreation economy contributes more to the U.S. economy than farming, oil and gas extraction, mining, and utilities.
Jessica Turner, president of the Outdoor Recreation Roundtable, elevated the new data as a testament to the strength and importance of the outdoor recreation economy.
“This marks another year of growth for the outdoor recreation economy, underscoring its resilience and importance across the nation. We urge this Congress to take swift action to pass the EXPLORE Act, a widely supported package of bills that will help to ensure that all Americans have access to the outdoors and support the communities and businesses that rely on recreation economies.”