Wisconsin’s outdoor recreation industry experienced a significant growth of nearly 10% in 2023, breaking the previous year’s record. According to the U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis, outdoor recreation contributed $11.2 billion to the state’s GDP, representing a 9.4% increase from the previous year. This growth is attributed to the state’s natural assets, dedicated tourism professionals, and outdoor recreation offerings that attract visitors from near and far.
Governor Tony Evers announced that Wisconsin’s tourism industry also saw record-breaking numbers in 2023, generating $25 billion in total economic impact. The Office of Outdoor Recreation played a vital role in supporting this sector, ensuring that the state remains a top destination for visitors.
Various sectors within the outdoor recreation industry in Wisconsin saw growth, with multi-use apparel and accessories, motorcycling/ATVing, and boating/fishing being top contributing activities. Additionally, travel associated with outdoor recreation trips showed significant growth both for long-distance and local trips.
Overall, Wisconsin’s outdoor recreation industry outpaced the national average, reflecting the state’s robust economy and appeal to outdoor enthusiasts.
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