UW’s WORTH Initiative releases report on economic benefits of outdoor recreation in Wyoming

In partnership with the Wyoming Outdoor Recreation Office, the Wyoming Outdoor Recreation, Tourism and Hospitality (WORTH) Initiative at the University of Wyoming has released a report indicating that, in 2022, Wyoming’s outdoor recreation industry contributed more to the state’s gross domestic product than all but three states nationwide.

According to the report, the Cowboy State’s outdoor recreation industry generated $2 billion in 2022, or 4.1%, toward Wyoming’s GDP. The university reports this is a 33% increase from 2021, making it the fourth fastest growing outdoor economy in the country. The percentage contribution is greater than in neighboring states Colorado and Utah, and trails only Hawaii, Montana and Vermont.

The WORTH report documents several key elements of how the outdoor recreation industry contributes to Wyoming’s communities. To access the digital version of the report, click here.

The report compares the economic contribution of activities such as snow sports, hunting, fishing and off-roading, and underscores how outdoor recreation directly supports more than 16,000 jobs in Wyoming, according to UW.