Outdoor Recreation
With rugged coastlines, pristine forests, and majestic mountains, Maine has long been a top destination for outdoor enthusiasts.
Maine’s unparalleled natural beauty and four distinct seasons offer a wide variety of outdoor experiences – from kayaking to cross-country skiing, or birdwatching to mountain biking, or hiking to surfing – sure to delight and reenergize residents and visitors alike. In addition to fostering a deep connection to the environment and a spirit of adventure, the outdoor recreation industry fuels the Maine economy.
Supports nearly 30,000 Maine jobs
Contributes $3.4 billion to Maine’s economy
Stunning natural beauty from mountains to sea
Outdoor recreation contributes $3.4 billion to Maine’s economy, nearly 4% of the state’s GDP.
From outdoor equipment manufacturing to adventure tourism, this growing sector offers exciting opportunities for Maine businesses to reach new customers, design innovative products, and develop partnerships across the country and around the globe.
In 2019, Maine joined the Confluence of States, a bipartisan organization developing a national platform to grow the outdoor recreation industry, protect our nation’s wild places, and transform conservation into a driver for economic prosperity.
Much-Anticipated Minimalist Brand Has Landed in Japan
Flowfold, the Maine-based brand known for its minimalist and sustainable gear, has launched in Japan. With a focus on quality and eco-friendly design, their handcrafted wallets and bags, made from recycled materials, are already making waves.
Maine's 10-Year Outdoor Recreation Economy Roadmap
The Maine Outdoor Recreation Economy Roadmap identifies trends, challenges, and opportunities facing the outdoor recreation economy and outlines a comprehensive suite of strategies to enable the continued success of this vital sector.
Whole New Level
Targeting sports fans in addition to restaurants, breweries, and outdoor enthusiasts, Hüga Heat looks to scale to a whole new level. “And we’re planning to expand into Canada with support from the Maine International Trade Center.”
Solo Stove x Brant & Cochran: A Match Made in Maine
Rekindling the lost tradition of the Maine-made axe, Brant & Cochran makes and restores vintage axes to be used and treasured for future generations.
Industry Support
Leverages Maine’s assets and outdoor recreation heritage to grow the outdoor recreation economy and build Maine’s outdoor recreation brand
Member-driven alliance of outdoor product makers, experience providers, retailers and organizations invested in strengthening Maine’s outdoor recreation economy
Business development and impact investment arm of the Gulf of Maine Research Institute to bridge the gap between innovative, blue economy businesses and the capital, technical
knowledge, and networks needed to help them grow
Member-based collective committed to sustainable economic growth and growing access to the benefits of the outdoors for everyone
In Good Company
International Investors
We’d love to hear from you to discuss your interest in this sector and Maine’s advantages.