New Mexico’s outdoor economy grows faster

SANTA FE, NM – New Mexico’s outdoor recreation economy is outpacing the industry’s growth nationwide, but state officials said that there’s more work that could be done to help the industry as the coronavirus pandemic took a toll on all sectors of the economy.

Officials with the state’s Outdoor Recreation Division pointed to updated figures released by the federal government’s Bureau of Economic Analysis. The numbers show the industry contributed US$2.4 billion to the state’s gross domestic product last year and grew nearly 6% since 2018.

The report also shows that the industry employs more than 35,000 New Mexico workers and accounts for US$1.2 billion in total annual income. Since 2018, outdoor recreation income has grown 7.6% in New Mexico, compared with an increase of less than 4% for the nation.

Outdoor Recreation Division Director Axie Navas called the industry a “powerhouse” of economic potential but acknowledged the effects of the pandemic.

Source: The Charlote Observer