Press Release  New Report: Outdoor Recreation Contributed Over $11 Billion to Massachusetts 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% 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.”

“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.”  

“When residents have access to safe parks and trails, they are 21 percent more likely to be physically active,” said Paul Jahnige, Director of MOOR. “Green spaces also reduce heat island impacts, cool neighborhoods, and provide significant ‘green’ mental health benefits including lessening stress, anxiety, and depression.” 

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. 

“Recognizing the critical importance outdoor recreation plays, we are pleased to celebrate the recently announced recreational numbers for the state of Massachusetts,” said Randall Lyons, Executive Director of the Massachusetts Marine Trades Association. “The recreational boating industry in Massachusetts contributes over $5 billion to the state economy and employs over 17,500 men and women within the state. For every $1 spent on transient dockage it equates to close to $4 to the local community where the visiting boater is docked. Boaters are helping to fuel the economy by spending money on shopping, restaurants, lodging, fuel and more.” 

“Massachusetts has a tremendous variety of beautiful outdoor spaces and recreation offerings, which benefit our communities, our well-being, and our economy,” said Heather Clish, Appalachian Mountain Club Vice President, Conservation and Recreation Advocacy. “Today’s news that the outdoor recreation economy grew so well last year is a strong sign that the outdoors is a critical and increasingly important part of our lives.” 

Full BEA data available here.

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