The U.S. Department of Commerce has disclosed in a report that the U.S. Outdoor Recreation Economy amassed over $1 trillion during 2022, reflecting an upward trend in expenditure on hotels, restaurants, and transportation.

In a press release by the same department, it was revealed that the inflation-adjusted GDP for the overall U.S. economy in 2022 was 1.9 percent. Meanwhile, the GDP for the outdoor recreation economy rose by 4.8 percent during the same period, signaling a robust year for this economic sector. The Department of Commerce initiated the National Travel and Tourism Strategy in 2022 with an aim to foster growth in this sector over a five-year span. By 2027, projections estimate that 90 million international visitors to the United States will expend $279 billion to bolster the economy.

The press release further indicated that the retail trade industry emerged as the largest contributor to U.S. outdoor recreation, accounting for 27.3 percent of total revenue with $153.6 billion. Following closely was the arts, entertainment, and food services sector which constituted 25.6 percent of total revenue with $144.5 billion. In 2022, travel and tourism accounted for nearly half—46 percent—of the value added to the outdoor recreation economy. "Travel and tourism returned with force in 2022 as we opened up our country once again to visitors from around the globe," stated Secretary Raimondo. "Since day one of the Biden Administration, Commerce Department has taken decisive actions to support this industry’s recovery."

A report by Bureau of Economic Analysis highlighted that Montana, Wyoming, Vermont, and Hawaii were states where outdoor recreation constituted a significant portion of their GDPs. Hawaii led with a quintile percentage of 5.6%, followed by Vermont at 4.6%. Both Washington D.C., and Hawaii witnessed an increase exceeding 18% in employment for outdoor recreation in 2022, while Kansas experienced the smallest increase at 1.1%.