24-02-2025
Arkansas' outdoor industry drove $7.3B impact in 2023
The Natural State's burgeoning outdoor recreation industry generated $7.3 billion in direct and indirect economic impact during 2023, per topline figures shared from a new report Monday.
Why it matters: The industry supports more than 68,000 jobs and garnered nearly $2 billion in tax revenue for Arkansas that year, according to Bentonville's think-and-do-tank, Heartland Forward.
Driving the news: Heartland Forward research director Jonas Crews presented those figures at the 51st Annual Governor's Conference on Tourism, held in Bentonville this week.
By the numbers: The $7.3 billion impact figure is higher than the $4.5 billion estimated by the U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis (BEA) in December.
Crews used a boat maker to explain the difference.
BEA's data is focused on sales and employment, while Heartland's number widens the scope to include ancillary businesses, like fiberglass, sheet metal and seat suppliers.
Of note: The entire " Arkansas Outdoor Recreation Impact Report" will be available from the state in the near future and will include breakdowns of data that will be useful to business owners looking to take part in the outdoor economy.
Inside the room: Olivia Walton, chair, and Rod Bigelow, executive director of Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art, spoke about their work to make the museum and grounds accessible to all.
Their advice to other communities: double down on providing access to whatever amenities are available there, be good hosts and be good partners with other organizations in the community.
What's next: The conference continues all day Tuesday. Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders is scheduled to make remarks.
