Latest news with #ArkansasOutdoorRecreationImpactReport
Yahoo
27-02-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
REPORT: Outdoor recreation adds $7.3B to Arkansas economy
LITTLE ROCK, Ark. (KNWA/KFTA) — Outdoor recreation contributed $7.3 billion to the state's GDP and supported 68,431 jobs, according to a report from Bentonville-based Heartland Forward. The findings, released on Feb. 24, at the Arkansas Outdoor Economy Summit, look at the sector's role in the state's $9.9 billion tourism industry. The outdoor recreation sector directly contributed $4.5 billion (2.5%) to Arkansas' GDP, reflecting a 33% growth from 2019 to 2023, according to the Arkansas Outdoor Recreation Impact Report. In 2023 alone, outdoor recreation generated $926 million in federal, $729 million in state and $240 million in local tax revenue. Arkansas ranks fourth nationwide for the share of its GDP attributed to outdoor product manufacturing. Bentonville West High School students win STEM competition for cancer detection app Other key takeaways include: Outdoor amenity construction saw a 52.7% increase in GDP contribution over the past four years, largely due to bike trail expansion projects. Regional employment data shows that 31.3% of Arkansas' outdoor recreation jobs are in Northwest Arkansas, with 27.2% in Central Arkansas. The fishing sector experienced a 36.8% increase in GDP contribution between 2019 and 2023, and Arkansas ranks sixth in the nation for the economic impact of its boating industry. The report also introduces a new dataset that uses artificial intelligence to analyze 90,000 companies and identify outdoor recreation-focused businesses in Arkansas. Simultaneously, state officials released the 2025 Statewide Comprehensive Outdoor Recreation Plan (SCORP), a five-year strategy outlining key investment, accessibility and conservation priorities. The plan is essential for securing federal funding through programs like the National Park Service's Land and Water Conservation Fund. To sustain growth, the Office of Outdoor Recreation is investing in trail development, water access projects and workforce training through the 2025-2030 Statewide Comprehensive Outdoor Recreation Plan (SCORP). Major projects include enhancements at Petit Jean State Park, Delta Heritage Trail, Lake Conway, and Bayou Bartholomew. Workforce initiatives, such as NWACC's Trail Technician program, aim to prepare Arkansans for careers in outdoor recreation. The plan outlines a five-year strategy to expand infrastructure, improve accessibility and secure federal funding and promote outdoor innovation. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Axios
24-02-2025
- Business
- Axios
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.
