NC Outdoor Economy Office

The North Carolina Outdoor Economy Office, within the North Carolina Department of Commerce, works to strengthen and grow the state's outdoor recreation economy and serves as a central point of contact to coordinate efforts across state agencies, local governments and the outdoor industry. The Office works to identify new opportunities for economic growth, connect all communities to the benefits of time outside, and promote responsible recreation in North Carolina most treasured places. These coordinated efforts contribute to the state’s strategic growth, making North Carolina a place where outdoor businesses and recreation communities can thrive.

The U.S. Department of Commerce’s Bureau of Economic Analysis (BEA) has released new economic data exhibiting outdoor recreation’s powerful and positive economic impact on North Carolina’s economy. According to the latest data from the U.S. Department of Commerce’s Bureau of Economic Outdoor Recreation Satellite Account, outdoor recreation created $16.2 billion in value added for North Carolina, accounts for 2.1% of North Carolina’s GDP and includes 145,433 jobs in 2023. The outdoor recreation economy in North Carolina has grown 9.6% since 2022.

This data highlights outdoor recreation as a cornerstone of North Carolina’s economy, generating jobs, supporting entrepreneurship and small businesses, and providing essential opportunities for North Carolinians to enjoy time outdoors for physical and mental health, and quality of life.

North Carolina is home to world-class outdoor gear manufacturers, ranging from boat builders on the coast to makers of apparel, tents, and kayaks in the mountains, with many more in between. These businesses, along with retailers, guides, outfitters, and essential supporting business and supply chain across the state, are all able to thrive due to the high quality of life fostered by our abundant outdoor recreation resources. By investing in these resources and the communities they support, we are not only enhancing talent recruitment and creating good jobs but also fostering businesses development and promoting the health and well-being of residents. Outdoor recreation plays a vital role in strengthening the state's economy, providing resilience and opportunity for both urban and rural communities.