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The Economic Contributions of Human-Powered Outdoor Recreation to the US Economy

Author

Listed:
  • Rob Southwick

    (Southwick Associates, Inc, Fernandina Beach, FL, USA)

  • John Bergstrom

    (Department of Agricultural and Applied Economics, 208 Conner Hall, University of Georgia, Athens, GA 30602, USA)

  • Clint Wall

    (Outdoor Industry Association, Boulder, CO, USA)

Abstract

This paper presents a comprehensive assessment of the economic contributions of the major forms of human-powered outdoor recreation, including trail-based recreation, bicycle-based recreation, paddle-based recreation, snow-based recreation and camp-based recreation. The results show that the combined economic contributions of human-powered recreation to the US economy exceed US$590 billion annually in total gross output, supporting over five million jobs. Other studies estimate that wildlife-based recreation contributes another US$140 billion annually in total gross output to the US economy, making a total contribution of US$730 billion from both human-powered and wildlife-based recreation. Active outdoor recreation not only strengthens the US economy but also improves the quality of life for participants.

Suggested Citation

  • Rob Southwick & John Bergstrom & Clint Wall, 2009. "The Economic Contributions of Human-Powered Outdoor Recreation to the US Economy," Tourism Economics, , vol. 15(4), pages 709-733, December.
    • Handle: RePEc:sae:toueco:v:15:y:2009:i:4:p:709-733
    DOI: 10.5367/000000009789955198
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    2. Pucher, J. & Dijkstra, L., 2003. "Promoting Safe Walking and Cycling to Improve Public Health: Lessons from The Netherlands and Germany," American Journal of Public Health, American Public Health Association, vol. 93(9), pages 1509-1516.
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    Cited by:

    1. Dae-Kwan Kim & Hak-Jun Kim & Sang-Min Lee & Yeongbae Choe & Soo-Yeop Song, 2015. "An Estimation of the Contribution of the International Meeting Industry to the Korean National Economy Based on Input—Output Analysis," Tourism Economics, , vol. 21(3), pages 649-667, June.

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