Outdoor Recreation Contributed Over $11B to Mass Economy
BOSTON — New figures from the U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis (BEA) demonstrate the strength of the outdoor recreation economy for Massachusetts. The Massachusetts outdoor recreation economy grew 17 percent in 2022, contributing more than $11.7 billion in value added to the Massachusetts economy and creating 102,687 jobs.
Recognizing the importance of outdoor recreation, the Healey-Driscoll Administration launched a new Massachusetts Office of Outdoor Recreation (MOOR) in September 2023, which works across agencies to promote Massachusetts as a welcoming, inclusive, diverse, and accessible place to play outside.
"Every Massachusetts resident deserves easy access to safe outdoor spaces with clean air and water," said Energy and Environmental Affairs Secretary Rebecca Tepper. "By providing opportunities for fun outside, especially for kids, we create the next generation of environmental stewards. Our new Office of Outdoor Recreation will help our administration get
more residents outside and enjoying our beautiful natural resources."
In Massachusetts, top sectors ranked by economic value include boating and fishing, hunting and shooting, RVing, climbing/hiking, tent camping, skiing, snowshoeing, motorcycling, ATVing, and bicycling. The fastest growing sectors in Massachusetts include sailing, snow activities, climbing/hiking, recreational flying, and guided activities.
"Massachusetts has some of the most amazing natural assets, from Mount Greylock to the Cape Cod seashore and everything in between," said Kate Fox, Executive Director of the Massachusetts Office of Travel and Tourism (MOTT). "MOTT and MOOR are working together to promote these amazing places to visitors and residents alike to grow this sector even more."
