The Off-Road Business Association (ORBA), a wholly owned subsidiary of the Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA), has released its first-ever economic impact study for off-roading in Moab, Utah. The study, performed for ORBA by Oxford Economics, highlights an immense economic value of motorized recreation for Moab’s local community as a complement to the cultural significance of off-roading.

Key findings of the study include:

$178.7 million in total annual economic impact
$140.9 million in Direct Spending Impact
$13.5 million in state and local taxes
Supported over 1,100 jobs in 2025
$36.5 million in wage and benefit income

The direct spending that was measured in this study revealed off-roading generated $54.5 million in transportation, $40 million in stores and retail, $20.5 million in food and beverage, $13.7 million in lodging, and $12.2 million in recreation.

“This study demonstrates why the off-road industry is worth protecting and a necessary stakeholder in discussion of land use and stewardship across America,” said Sean P. Holman, ORBA’s executive director. “While this inaugural study focused on Moab, its findings underscore the significant economic benefits that motorized off-road recreation brings to communities across the country. These results serve as a powerful reminder of the industry's value to local businesses, workers, and economies, and complement existing national studies to provide a more complete picture of off-roading’s economic importance to our nation.”

The findings show that off-road recreation is more than a recreational activity. It is a measurable economic contributor that supports jobs, generates tax revenue, and helps sustain local businesses throughout the Moab area. Quantifying the economic contribution of off-road recreation in Moab reinforces the importance of maintaining access to trails, public lands, and recreation opportunities that support local businesses, workers, and communities.

WHY THIS STUDY MATTERS

ORBA's regional economic impact research seeks to document, using credible local data, how motorized recreation contributes to jobs, small businesses, tourism, and economic vitality across America. This is the first time this critical, untold story has been told, illustrating what off-road recreation represents, and why a robust industry follows in the wake of millions of enthusiasts who explore our trails and public lands. For many communities, motorized recreation is more than a leisure activity, serving as an important economic driver.

Regional studies like this one help tell this story in a way national data cannot, revealing what motorized recreation means at the ground floor, demonstrating the economic relationships between recreation opportunities, local businesses, and community prosperity. Behind every visitor are workers, entrepreneurs, and families whose livelihoods are intertwined with recreation-related spending.

METHODOLOGY

This study was performed by Oxford Economics, using multiple primary and secondary data sources. The study was conducted using an IMPLAN Input-Output model to determine the direct, indirect, and induced impact of the off-roading industry on the local Grand County economy. The modeling process assesses the scope of off-road visitor spending (at restaurants, retail, hotels, and recreation venues) and supplier operations (such as automotive shops, guides, and outfitters) on the local economy and supply chain. The model calculates the off-road sector's impact on overall economic output, employment, household income, and tax revenue in the Moab area.

WHAT MOAB’S COMMUNITY MEMBERS ARE SAYING

Jason Curry, Director of the Utah Division of Outdoor Recreation: “OHV recreation is a huge factor in Moab's outdoor economy contributing to local businesses, jobs and families. This study helps us better understand that economic contribution and how to best plan for the future. By working together with our partners to maintain trails and encourage responsible and safe riding, we can care for these landscapes and keep recreation opportunities available for generations to come.”

KaLeigh Welch, Owner and Director of Operations, Ride Moab Industries: “Motorized recreation is more than an economic driver for our family and our business; it’s a way of life. It supports local families while giving people a meaningful way to experience the outdoors, build confidence, and find a sense of freedom and connection. We’re incredibly grateful to make our living sharing something we love while helping others develop a genuine appreciation and respect for the public lands, that we’re fortunate to enjoy.”

Jennifer Johnson, Owner, Epic 4x4 Adventures: “Responsible motorized recreation and public land stewardship go hand in hand—and both are woven into Moab’s economic fabric. At Epic 4X4 Adventures, we’re proud to create good jobs, invest in our community, and contribute to the economic vitality of Moab and the broader state of Utah while introducing visitors from around the world to this extraordinary landscape. Those visitors stay in our hotels, eat in our restaurants, shop in our stores, buy fuel, and support countless local businesses. The $178.7 million economic impact and more than 1,100 jobs reinforce what we see every day: responsible recreation helps sustain Moab’s economy and the people who call this community home.”

ABOUT THE OFF-ROAD BUSINESS ASSOCIATION (ORBA)

The Off-Road Business Association (ORBA), a wholly owned subsidiary of the Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA), is a national advocacy organization dedicated to protecting and expanding motorized recreational access, while advancing the interests of the off-road industry through legislative advocacy, strategic partnerships, and data-driven initiatives. Working with stakeholders, policymakers, and land managers, ORBA champions responsible recreation, balanced land management, and common-sense policies that protect public land access and the businesses that depend on it. ORBA promotes the industry's economic contributions and ensures it has a voice in decisions affecting the future of off-road recreation. Join ORBA today at www.offroadbusiness.org to help protect the future of off-road recreation.

ABOUT SEMA

The Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA) serves as a leading voice for the worldwide car culture, representing over 7,000 member companies that create, buy, sell, and use specialty-automotive parts that make vehicles more unique, attractive, convenient, safer, fun, and even like new again. Business member benefits include product development resources, market research, networking, education, legislative advocacy, and more. The Association organizes the annual SEMA Show in Las Vegas, Nev., and actively supports the career and business opportunities that the aftermarket generates. The industry contributes nearly $337 billion in economic impact to the U.S. economy, supports 1.3 million jobs nationally, and generates nearly $53 billion in parts sales annually. For more information, visit www.sema.org.

Tagged: Off-Road Tourism

ORBA Releases First-Ever Study of Off-Roading’s Economic Impact on Moab