Tourism, Outdoor Recreation & Nature Economy

Two people riding bikes on a trail through the woods
Outdoor recreation’s contribution to New Hampshire’s economy continues to grow to the tune of over 3 billion dollars
New data released in November from the Bureau of Economic Analysis shows that Outdoor Recreation accounts for 3.2% of New Hampshire’s GDP. This amount... Learn More
Multiple vendor tents set up in a grassy area
The Graniteer Festival and the Value of Making Time to Be Together
During the final weekend of September, just as the maple trees were starting to turn red up north, hundreds of outdoor enthusiasts gathered in Francon... Learn More
Mural on brick wall on Nashua NH's Heritage Trail
New Arts & Economic Prosperity 6 Study Finds Nonprofit Arts and Culture was a $151.7 Billion Industry in 2022
New research confirms that arts and culture is not only good for you, it’s good for your community, and good for business. Nationally, the Arts & Econ... Learn More
Gazebo in park
The Right Connection
Downtowns and Trails program helps communities utilize the natural and built world
Extension state specialist and professor Shannon Rogers and Extension field specialist Jada Lindblom have worked with the City of Keene on developing ... Learn More
Bikers on trail
Building Trails and Finding Connections with DIRT
Developing Interconnections for Regional Trails
Almost every community in New Hampshire has some type of trail, whether it be a rail trail, riverwalk, hiking loop or path through a community forest.... Learn More
Sugar River Region NH logo
Six Years in the Making: Discover Sugar River Region forms nonprofit DMO
Destination Management Organization
Just like a fine wine, it takes time to cultivate a good community-driven foundation for sustainably developing tourism and outdoor recreation. Since ... Learn More
Extension table at the Hopkinton Farmers Market
Community Engagement at Contoocook Farmers Market
The Town of Hopkinton is the fourth community to take part in UNH Extension’s Downtowns & Trails program. As part of the program, a dedicated group of... Learn More
Agritourism wheel
Agritourism Fact Sheets for New Hampshire and Each of the 50 States
From pick-your-own orchards and farm stays to corn mazes and other farm-based visitor activities, you don’t have to look far in New Hampshire to find ... Learn More
Group of volunteers standing near the Contoocook River
Collecting Data on Community Capital While Building Social Capital
The Benefits of a Capacity Building Approach to Nature-Based Economic Development
On a recent sunny Saturday morning, a group of dedicated community volunteers gathered in the Village of Contoocook, in the Town of Hopkinton, NH, to ... Learn More
vendor booth at New England Coffee Festival
The New England Coffee Festival Celebrates Laconia, Coffee, and the Great Outdoors for its Second Year
After a fun and enriching first year that was estimated to have attracted 5,000 attendees and visitors, the New England Coffee Festival (NECF) will be... Learn More