Vacationers enjoy cliff jumping at Quail Creek State Park near St. George. Water sports contributed to Utah's 2023 $9.5 billion outdoor recreation economy, recently reported by the U.S. Department of Commerce's Burea of Economic Analysis. Photo courtesy Visit Utah.

Utah’s outdoor recreation economy grew to a record $9.5 billion in value-added, contributing 3.4 percent of Utah’s GDP and supporting 71,898 jobs, according to the recently released U.S. Department of Commerce’s Bureau of Economic Analysis (BEA) economic data for 2023.

“Outdoor recreation is a key contributor to Utah’s economy, and this year’s economic data reinforces its critical role in our state,” said Jason Curry, director of the Utah Division of Outdoor Recreation. “Given Utah’s renowned diverse landscapes and the wide variety of outdoor activities available to residents and visitors, it’s no surprise to see continued growth. It shows that the state’s commitment to preserving and enhancing outdoor experiences enriches lives and Please log in to see the rest of this story.