Outdoor recreation is one of the biggest contributors to Utah’s economy, and it continues to grow. In 2023, the U.S. Department of Commerce’s Bureau of Economic Analysis released data showing a drastic $9.5 billion added value compared to the $8.1 billion earned in 2022.
Outdoor recreation jobs comprise just under 72,000 positions and contribute 3.4% of Utah’s gross domestic product. These positions earned employees over $4.3 billion in wages for 2023.
“Currently, Outdoors Recreation in Parks and Tourism has two scholarships available to ORPT students. One is an internal SUU scholarship fund that is supported by donations from faculty, staff, alumni, and friends,” said outdoors and recreation professor Kelly Goonan. “The second was established by East Zion Adventures, an outdoor guiding and tour company. Other funding opportunities, like support for conference travel, come from internal sources like the ORPT program, the kinesiology and outdoor recreation department or the College of Health Sciences. We have not received additional funds to support ORPT from the legislature or other sources, despite the economic impact of outdoor recreation in the state and our region.”
Goonan noted that even though there are not increased grants or scholarships, economic growth alone helps provide students with more opportunities like practicums, internships, jobs, class projects, research opportunities and even activities like field trips and guest speakers.
The Department of Commerce’s Bureau of Economic Analysis began tracking outdoor recreation’s contribution to the economy in 2012. Since then, Utah has averaged an 8.4% yearly growth rate, making it the highest in the country. Utah was also the first state to establish an Office of Outdoor Recreation in 2013, setting a precedent for the rest of the nation with 24 other states following suit.
“I think it’s great that Utah has invested in outdoor recreation, both from a visitor/tourism/economic-development perspective and also from a resident quality-of-life perspective,” stated Goonan. “With our huge diversity of recreation opportunities, I believe Utah is well-situated to be a leader in training outdoor recreation professionals”
Where is the growth coming from?
Winter sports have grown significantly, ranking Utah third in the nation. During the 2023 season, winter sports added $643 million in value and is the state’s most significant producer of economic growth in outdoor recreation.
Utah is known for many winter activities, such as skiing, snowboarding and snowshoeing, which greatly contribute to the state’s economy. People come from all over the world to the Rocky Mountains for some of the best snow, so revenue and continuous growth are expected for the winter season.
However, one sport that has grown record-breakingly is bicycling. In southern Utah alone, state championships are held at Three Peaks Recreation Area, Dixie National Forest through Brian Head and many other unique trails and tracks that bring people from all over the country to Utah. Bicycling has seen a 43% increase in value-added from 2022–reaching $73 million in 2023.
What the future holds?
“A potential challenge moving forward is balancing the recreation use so we can maintain strong economies as well as high-quality experiences and settings,” said Goonan. “However, it’s also a great opportunity to invest in things like area management, professional training/education, and user/visitor education.”
Utah’s focus on outdoors and recreation has created a great revenue source for the state and a place for outdoor lovers to come and visit. This investment has also helped universities like SUU create a program that is only available because of southern Utah’s geographic location and natural beauty. In turn, students from Oregon to New Hampshire are flocking to SUU, because they believe that the school has the best program, according to Goonan.
Author: Chevy Blackburn
Photo courtesy of Kace Lott
Copy Editor: Isaac Allen
outdoors@suunews.net
