|
Augusta, MAINE – Maine's outdoor recreation economy grew nine percent in 2023, generating $3.4 billion in value and supporting nearly 30,000 jobs, according to new data from the U.S. Department of Commerce's Bureau of Economic Analysis (BEA). The sector now represents 3.7 percent of Maine's GDP.
Industry leaders recently gathered at the third annual Maine Outdoor Economy Summit at Sunday River to plan for future growth. The Summit, presented in partnership with the Maine Office of Outdoor Recreation and Maine Outdoor Brands, drew more than 345 attendees and featured the unveiling of the 10-year Maine Outdoor Recreation Economy Roadmap, a comprehensive plan designed to strengthen and expand Maine’s outdoor sector over the next decade. By engaging stakeholders from across the state, this roadmap aims to shape a sustainable and vibrant future for Maine’s outdoor industry.
“The Summit brought together some of Maine's most innovative outdoor voices - from trail builders and gear manufacturers to municipal leaders and next-generation entrepreneurs,” said Jeff McCabe, director of the Maine Office of Outdoor Recreation. “Seeing these diverse perspectives unite around the continued, sustainable growth of our outdoor economy shows exactly why Maine is a national leader in outdoor recreation. This new data is reflective of the state’s strong assets, and shows that Maine’s outdoor recreation sector is well-positioned for continued growth.”
Key Economic Highlights for 2023:
- Manufacturing of outdoor recreation gear and equipment contributed $311 million, up 16.8 percent from 2022
- Outdoor retail added $824 million, a 3 percent increase from the previous year
- Snow activities (skiing, snowboarding, snowmobiling) generated $108 million, up from $68 million
Notable activities that contributed to Maine’s GDP in 2023:
- Boating and Fishing — $384 million
- RVing — $265 million
- Multi-use Apparel/Accessories (outdoor gear and equipment) — $196 million
- Guided tours/outfitted travel — $97 million
-
Fishing (excludes boating) — $62 million
- Climbing/hiking/tent camping — $46 million
Noteworthy Increases over 2022:
- Snow activities (includes skiing, snowboarding, snowmobiling) — 13 percent increase
- While skiing and snowboarding remained stable, other snow activities, such as snowshoeing and snowmobiling, grew 44 percent
- Fishing (excludes boating) — 45 percent increase
-
Canoeing/kayaking — 24 percent increase
-
Boating and Fishing — 16 percent increase
-
Climbing/hiking/tent camping — 15 percent increase
-
Guided tours/outfitted travel — 11 percent increase
Looking ahead, the robust growth of Maine's outdoor recreation economy demonstrates the state's unique potential to leverage its natural resources and innovative spirit. With continued strategic planning and investment, the outdoor sector is poised to become an increasingly vital component of Maine's economic landscape, creating jobs, supporting local communities, and showcasing the state's commitment to sustainable economic development.
###
About Maine Office of Outdoor Recreation
Maine’s Office of Outdoor Recreation (MOOR) was permanently established in 2019 to leverage Maine’s assets and outdoor recreation heritage to grow the outdoor recreation economy and build Maine’s outdoor recreation brand as part of a coordinated effort with partners from the public and private sectors. Learn more at maine.gov/decd/programs/maine-office-of-outdoor-recreation. Maine is a member of the Confluence of States, a coalition of 21 states working to strengthen the outdoor recreation industry.
| 
