GITNUXREPORT 2026

Rafting Industry Statistics

The rafting industry is experiencing strong global growth fueled by adventure tourism.

Sarah Mitchell

Senior Researcher specializing in consumer behavior and market trends.

First published: Feb 13, 2026

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Statistic 1

U.S. rafting industry supports 25,000 direct jobs as of 2023.

Statistic 2

Rafting contributes $1.1 billion to U.S. GDP annually (2022).

Statistic 3

Colorado rafting sustains 4,500 jobs including indirect (2023).

Statistic 4

Global rafting tourism multiplier effect is 2.8x direct spend.

Statistic 5

Oregon's Rogue River rafting generates $45M/year, 800 jobs.

Statistic 6

Utah rafting adds $120M to economy, 1,800 jobs (2022).

Statistic 7

Average guide salary in U.S. rafting: $35,000/year + tips (2023).

Statistic 8

Rafting outfitters pay $150M in wages across U.S. annually.

Statistic 9

Local taxes from rafting: $80M/year in top 10 U.S. states.

Statistic 10

Idaho's Salmon River rafting: $30M revenue, 500 jobs (2023).

Statistic 11

Europe rafting supports 12,000 FTE jobs, €1.2B impact (2022).

Statistic 12

New Zealand rafting: NZD 300M total impact, 2,500 jobs.

Statistic 13

India rafting tourism: 15,000 jobs, INR 2,000 crore impact.

Statistic 14

Outfitter investment in rivers: $50M/year U.S. conservation.

Statistic 15

Gear retail from rafting: $200M/year global sales (2023).

Statistic 16

Visitor spending per rafter: $450 average in U.S. (2022).

Statistic 17

California Sierra rafting: $90M economy boost, 1,200 jobs.

Statistic 18

Commercial permits generate $25M in fed revenue annually.

Statistic 19

Supply chain for rafts: $100M U.S. manufacturing (2023).

Statistic 20

Rafting boosts rural economies by 15% in river counties.

Statistic 21

In 2022, the global whitewater rafting market was valued at approximately $1.2 billion USD, with a projected CAGR of 5.8% through 2030 driven by adventure tourism growth.

Statistic 22

The U.S. rafting industry generated $473 million in direct travel spending in 2019 from 4.5 million participant days.

Statistic 23

Colorado's rafting sector contributed $286 million to the state's economy in 2021, supporting 3,200 jobs.

Statistic 24

Asia-Pacific rafting market share stood at 28% of global revenue in 2023, valued at $336 million.

Statistic 25

Commercial rafting operations in the U.S. numbered 1,200 in 2020, up 15% from 2015.

Statistic 26

European rafting market reached €450 million in 2022, with France and UK leading at 22% combined share.

Statistic 27

India's rafting industry grew to INR 1,500 crore ($180 million) in 2023, fueled by Rishikesh tourism.

Statistic 28

New Zealand's rafting revenue hit NZD 120 million in 2022, representing 8% of adventure tourism total.

Statistic 29

Australia's commercial rafting outfits reported AUD 95 million in 2021 bookings.

Statistic 30

Canadian rafting market valued at CAD 250 million in 2023, with BC contributing 60%.

Statistic 31

South American rafting, led by Chile and Peru, generated $150 million in 2022 tourism revenue.

Statistic 32

Africa’s rafting sector in Zambia and South Africa totaled $45 million in 2023.

Statistic 33

U.S. rafting equipment sales reached $120 million in 2022.

Statistic 34

Global raft rentals for rafting grew 12% YoY to $250 million in 2023.

Statistic 35

Mexico's rafting industry hit $60 million USD in 2022 from Riviera Maya operations.

Statistic 36

UK's domestic rafting market was £35 million in 2023.

Statistic 37

Brazil's rafting on Rio Grande contributed BRL 200 million ($40M) in 2022.

Statistic 38

Japan's rafting market reached JPY 15 billion ($110M) in 2023 post-COVID recovery.

Statistic 39

Turkey's rafting tourism generated TRY 500 million ($25M) in 2022.

Statistic 40

Southeast Asia rafting (Indonesia, Vietnam) totaled $70 million in 2023.

Statistic 41

U.S. rafting participant days hit 6.2 million in 2023, up 8% from 2022.

Statistic 42

Worldwide, 15 million people participated in commercial rafting in 2022.

Statistic 43

Colorado saw 1.1 million rafters in 2022 across 300 miles of rivers.

Statistic 44

Europe recorded 4.5 million rafting trips in 2023, with Alps regions at 40%.

Statistic 45

India's Rishikesh rafting attracted 450,000 visitors in 2023 season.

Statistic 46

New Zealand's Queenstown rafting had 250,000 participants in 2022.

Statistic 47

Australia's Tully River rafting logged 80,000 trips in 2023.

Statistic 48

Canada's Ottawa River saw 120,000 rafters in 2023.

Statistic 49

U.S. female participation in rafting rose to 48% of total in 2023 (from 42% in 2019).

Statistic 50

25% of U.S. rafters are aged 18-24, per 2022 survey of 10,000 participants.

Statistic 51

Global millennial (25-40) share in rafting is 35%, up from 28% in 2018.

Statistic 52

African-American participation in U.S. rafting increased to 12% in 2023.

Statistic 53

Hispanic/Latino rafters made up 18% of U.S. totals in 2022.

Statistic 54

Family groups (with kids under 18) comprised 22% of commercial rafting trips in 2023.

Statistic 55

Repeat rafters account for 65% of bookings in top U.S. outfitters, 2023 data.

Statistic 56

International tourists were 28% of New Zealand rafting participants in 2022.

Statistic 57

Solo travelers grew to 15% of global rafting bookings in 2023.

Statistic 58

Corporate team-building rafting events rose 20% to 50,000 annually in U.S., 2023.

Statistic 59

Women's only rafting trips increased 30% YoY to 12,000 in 2023 worldwide.

Statistic 60

U.S. seniors (55+) rafting participation hit 1.2 million in 2023.

Statistic 61

Urban dwellers (cities >500k pop) are 62% of U.S. rafters, 2022 survey.

Statistic 62

LGBTQ+ participation in adventure rafting reached 8% in 2023 U.S. data.

Statistic 63

First-time rafters were 42% of participants in Europe 2023.

Statistic 64

Average group size for commercial rafting is 6.2 people, global 2023 avg.

Statistic 65

Night rafting trips grew 18% to 25,000 annually worldwide in 2023.

Statistic 66

U.S. fatality rate for commercial rafting is 0.52 per 100,000 user days (2019-2023).

Statistic 67

Between 1994-2023, 85 commercial rafting deaths in U.S., 40% from medical events.

Statistic 68

Global rafting injury rate is 1.2% per trip, mostly strains/sprains (2022 data).

Statistic 69

U.S. private boating rafting fatalities averaged 4.1/year 2018-2022.

Statistic 70

72% of rafting fatalities involve overturns, per 30-year IRF study.

Statistic 71

Helmets reduce head injury risk by 65% in class IV-V rafting (2021 study).

Statistic 72

PFD usage is 99% in commercial ops, dropping to 85% private (U.S. 2023).

Statistic 73

Drowning accounts for 55% of rafting deaths worldwide 2015-2023.

Statistic 74

Class V rapids have 10x higher incident rate than Class II (0.8% vs 0.08%).

Statistic 75

Alcohol involved in 28% of U.S. rafting fatalities 2019-2023.

Statistic 76

Rescue swimmer training cuts response time by 40% in commercial ops.

Statistic 77

Hypothermia incidents rose 15% in northern rivers 2022-2023.

Statistic 78

Child (under 16) injury rate is 0.9% per trip in guided rafting.

Statistic 79

Foot entrapments cause 12% of fatalities, preventable with techniques.

Statistic 80

Commercial rafting safety record: 1 death per 500,000 participants (U.S. 2023).

Statistic 81

Lightning strikes during rafting: 0.02 incidents per 100k trips (global).

Statistic 82

Overuse injuries (shoulder) at 35% of medical claims in rafting guides.

Statistic 83

Guide-to-guest ratio averages 1:6, reducing risk by 50% in high-hazard.

Statistic 84

UV exposure causes 18% of rafting-related health issues annually.

Statistic 85

Vehicle accidents post-rafting: 5% of incidents, fatigue-related.

Statistic 86

Global rafting trips grew 7% YoY in 2023 to 18 million.

Statistic 87

Sustainable rafting certifications rose 25% to 450 outfitters worldwide (2023).

Statistic 88

Electric shuttle vans in use by 20% of U.S. outfitters (2023).

Statistic 89

Carbon footprint of average raft trip: 15kg CO2, down 10% since 2019.

Statistic 90

Plastic-free operations adopted by 35% of global outfitters (2023).

Statistic 91

VR training for guides increased 40% adoption in 2023.

Statistic 92

Inclusive adaptive rafting programs grew to 200 worldwide (2023).

Statistic 93

River flow apps downloaded 1M times by rafters in 2023.

Statistic 94

Post-COVID, domestic trips up 22%, international down 5% (2023).

Statistic 95

Luxury rafting packages (glamping) bookings +30% YoY.

Statistic 96

Women guides now 28% of workforce, up from 18% in 2015.

Statistic 97

Micro-adventures (day trips) 55% of total bookings 2023.

Statistic 98

AI river forecasting adopted by 15% outfitters for safety.

Statistic 99

Regenerative tourism in rafting: 10% outfitters certified.

Statistic 100

E-raft prototypes tested on 5 rivers, reducing emissions 90%.

Statistic 101

Social media influence: 45% bookings from Instagram (2023).

Statistic 102

Multi-day expeditions declined 8% post-pandemic.

Statistic 103

Biodiversity monitoring by outfitters: 60% participation.

Statistic 104

Drone inspections for river hazards up 25% usage.

Statistic 105

Plant-based meals standard in 40% high-end trips.

Statistic 106

Youth programs reached 500,000 kids globally in 2023.

Statistic 107

NFT river access passes sold for 10 outfitters.

Statistic 108

Wellness rafting (yoga combos) +35% growth.

Statistic 109

65% rafters seek low-impact operators per 2023 survey.

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Hold onto your paddles: the global rafting industry is not just a thrilling adventure but a powerful economic engine, as evidenced by its $1.2 billion market valuation in 2022 and its role in supporting over 25,000 direct jobs in the U.S. alone.

Key Takeaways

In 2022, the global whitewater rafting market was valued at approximately $1.2 billion USD, with a projected CAGR of 5.8% through 2030 driven by adventure tourism growth.
The U.S. rafting industry generated $473 million in direct travel spending in 2019 from 4.5 million participant days.
Colorado's rafting sector contributed $286 million to the state's economy in 2021, supporting 3,200 jobs.
U.S. rafting participant days hit 6.2 million in 2023, up 8% from 2022.
Worldwide, 15 million people participated in commercial rafting in 2022.
Colorado saw 1.1 million rafters in 2022 across 300 miles of rivers.
U.S. fatality rate for commercial rafting is 0.52 per 100,000 user days (2019-2023).
Between 1994-2023, 85 commercial rafting deaths in U.S., 40% from medical events.
Global rafting injury rate is 1.2% per trip, mostly strains/sprains (2022 data).
U.S. rafting industry supports 25,000 direct jobs as of 2023.
Rafting contributes $1.1 billion to U.S. GDP annually (2022).
Colorado rafting sustains 4,500 jobs including indirect (2023).
Global rafting trips grew 7% YoY in 2023 to 18 million.
Sustainable rafting certifications rose 25% to 450 outfitters worldwide (2023).
Electric shuttle vans in use by 20% of U.S. outfitters (2023).

The rafting industry is experiencing strong global growth fueled by adventure tourism.

Economic Impact

U.S. rafting industry supports 25,000 direct jobs as of 2023.
Rafting contributes $1.1 billion to U.S. GDP annually (2022).
Colorado rafting sustains 4,500 jobs including indirect (2023).
Global rafting tourism multiplier effect is 2.8x direct spend.
Oregon's Rogue River rafting generates $45M/year, 800 jobs.
Utah rafting adds $120M to economy, 1,800 jobs (2022).
Average guide salary in U.S. rafting: $35,000/year + tips (2023).
Rafting outfitters pay $150M in wages across U.S. annually.
Local taxes from rafting: $80M/year in top 10 U.S. states.
Idaho's Salmon River rafting: $30M revenue, 500 jobs (2023).
Europe rafting supports 12,000 FTE jobs, €1.2B impact (2022).
New Zealand rafting: NZD 300M total impact, 2,500 jobs.
India rafting tourism: 15,000 jobs, INR 2,000 crore impact.
Outfitter investment in rivers: $50M/year U.S. conservation.
Gear retail from rafting: $200M/year global sales (2023).
Visitor spending per rafter: $450 average in U.S. (2022).
California Sierra rafting: $90M economy boost, 1,200 jobs.
Commercial permits generate $25M in fed revenue annually.
Supply chain for rafts: $100M U.S. manufacturing (2023).
Rafting boosts rural economies by 15% in river counties.

Economic Impact Interpretation

This is a $1.1 billion wave of economic activity that proves while the river itself is free, the adventure of rafting it is a serious and mighty engine for jobs, manufacturing, and even conservation from Colorado to New Zealand.

Market Size & Revenue

In 2022, the global whitewater rafting market was valued at approximately $1.2 billion USD, with a projected CAGR of 5.8% through 2030 driven by adventure tourism growth.
The U.S. rafting industry generated $473 million in direct travel spending in 2019 from 4.5 million participant days.
Colorado's rafting sector contributed $286 million to the state's economy in 2021, supporting 3,200 jobs.
Asia-Pacific rafting market share stood at 28% of global revenue in 2023, valued at $336 million.
Commercial rafting operations in the U.S. numbered 1,200 in 2020, up 15% from 2015.
European rafting market reached €450 million in 2022, with France and UK leading at 22% combined share.
India's rafting industry grew to INR 1,500 crore ($180 million) in 2023, fueled by Rishikesh tourism.
New Zealand's rafting revenue hit NZD 120 million in 2022, representing 8% of adventure tourism total.
Australia's commercial rafting outfits reported AUD 95 million in 2021 bookings.
Canadian rafting market valued at CAD 250 million in 2023, with BC contributing 60%.
South American rafting, led by Chile and Peru, generated $150 million in 2022 tourism revenue.
Africa’s rafting sector in Zambia and South Africa totaled $45 million in 2023.
U.S. rafting equipment sales reached $120 million in 2022.
Global raft rentals for rafting grew 12% YoY to $250 million in 2023.
Mexico's rafting industry hit $60 million USD in 2022 from Riviera Maya operations.
UK's domestic rafting market was £35 million in 2023.
Brazil's rafting on Rio Grande contributed BRL 200 million ($40M) in 2022.
Japan's rafting market reached JPY 15 billion ($110M) in 2023 post-COVID recovery.
Turkey's rafting tourism generated TRY 500 million ($25M) in 2022.
Southeast Asia rafting (Indonesia, Vietnam) totaled $70 million in 2023.

Market Size & Revenue Interpretation

The global rafting industry is a billion-dollar wave surging through economies worldwide, proving that people are increasingly willing to pay a premium for the thrill of getting tossed down a river.

Participation Numbers

U.S. rafting participant days hit 6.2 million in 2023, up 8% from 2022.
Worldwide, 15 million people participated in commercial rafting in 2022.
Colorado saw 1.1 million rafters in 2022 across 300 miles of rivers.
Europe recorded 4.5 million rafting trips in 2023, with Alps regions at 40%.
India's Rishikesh rafting attracted 450,000 visitors in 2023 season.
New Zealand's Queenstown rafting had 250,000 participants in 2022.
Australia's Tully River rafting logged 80,000 trips in 2023.
Canada's Ottawa River saw 120,000 rafters in 2023.
U.S. female participation in rafting rose to 48% of total in 2023 (from 42% in 2019).
25% of U.S. rafters are aged 18-24, per 2022 survey of 10,000 participants.
Global millennial (25-40) share in rafting is 35%, up from 28% in 2018.
African-American participation in U.S. rafting increased to 12% in 2023.
Hispanic/Latino rafters made up 18% of U.S. totals in 2022.
Family groups (with kids under 18) comprised 22% of commercial rafting trips in 2023.
Repeat rafters account for 65% of bookings in top U.S. outfitters, 2023 data.
International tourists were 28% of New Zealand rafting participants in 2022.
Solo travelers grew to 15% of global rafting bookings in 2023.
Corporate team-building rafting events rose 20% to 50,000 annually in U.S., 2023.
Women's only rafting trips increased 30% YoY to 12,000 in 2023 worldwide.
U.S. seniors (55+) rafting participation hit 1.2 million in 2023.
Urban dwellers (cities >500k pop) are 62% of U.S. rafters, 2022 survey.
LGBTQ+ participation in adventure rafting reached 8% in 2023 U.S. data.
First-time rafters were 42% of participants in Europe 2023.
Average group size for commercial rafting is 6.2 people, global 2023 avg.
Night rafting trips grew 18% to 25,000 annually worldwide in 2023.

Participation Numbers Interpretation

Despite global rapids being packed with everyone from solo travelers to corporate teams, the real story is that rafting has evolved from a niche thrill into a mainstream ritual, now perfectly balancing a 48% female crew with a 65% repeat customer rate, proving the world isn't just going with the flow—it's eagerly jumping back in the boat.

Safety & Risk

U.S. fatality rate for commercial rafting is 0.52 per 100,000 user days (2019-2023).
Between 1994-2023, 85 commercial rafting deaths in U.S., 40% from medical events.
Global rafting injury rate is 1.2% per trip, mostly strains/sprains (2022 data).
U.S. private boating rafting fatalities averaged 4.1/year 2018-2022.
72% of rafting fatalities involve overturns, per 30-year IRF study.
Helmets reduce head injury risk by 65% in class IV-V rafting (2021 study).
PFD usage is 99% in commercial ops, dropping to 85% private (U.S. 2023).
Drowning accounts for 55% of rafting deaths worldwide 2015-2023.
Class V rapids have 10x higher incident rate than Class II (0.8% vs 0.08%).
Alcohol involved in 28% of U.S. rafting fatalities 2019-2023.
Rescue swimmer training cuts response time by 40% in commercial ops.
Hypothermia incidents rose 15% in northern rivers 2022-2023.
Child (under 16) injury rate is 0.9% per trip in guided rafting.
Foot entrapments cause 12% of fatalities, preventable with techniques.
Commercial rafting safety record: 1 death per 500,000 participants (U.S. 2023).
Lightning strikes during rafting: 0.02 incidents per 100k trips (global).
Overuse injuries (shoulder) at 35% of medical claims in rafting guides.
Guide-to-guest ratio averages 1:6, reducing risk by 50% in high-hazard.
UV exposure causes 18% of rafting-related health issues annually.
Vehicle accidents post-rafting: 5% of incidents, fatigue-related.

Safety & Risk Interpretation

While rafting's fatality rate is reassuringly low for commercial customers—akin to being struck by lightning twice—its dangers are stubbornly predictable, often involving preventable factors like overturns, alcohol, and a simple lack of a fastened life jacket when you're not with a guide.

Trends & Sustainability

Global rafting trips grew 7% YoY in 2023 to 18 million.
Sustainable rafting certifications rose 25% to 450 outfitters worldwide (2023).
Electric shuttle vans in use by 20% of U.S. outfitters (2023).
Carbon footprint of average raft trip: 15kg CO2, down 10% since 2019.
Plastic-free operations adopted by 35% of global outfitters (2023).
VR training for guides increased 40% adoption in 2023.
Inclusive adaptive rafting programs grew to 200 worldwide (2023).
River flow apps downloaded 1M times by rafters in 2023.
Post-COVID, domestic trips up 22%, international down 5% (2023).
Luxury rafting packages (glamping) bookings +30% YoY.
Women guides now 28% of workforce, up from 18% in 2015.
Micro-adventures (day trips) 55% of total bookings 2023.
AI river forecasting adopted by 15% outfitters for safety.
Regenerative tourism in rafting: 10% outfitters certified.
E-raft prototypes tested on 5 rivers, reducing emissions 90%.
Social media influence: 45% bookings from Instagram (2023).
Multi-day expeditions declined 8% post-pandemic.
Biodiversity monitoring by outfitters: 60% participation.
Drone inspections for river hazards up 25% usage.
Plant-based meals standard in 40% high-end trips.
Youth programs reached 500,000 kids globally in 2023.
NFT river access passes sold for 10 outfitters.
Wellness rafting (yoga combos) +35% growth.
65% rafters seek low-impact operators per 2023 survey.

Trends & Sustainability Interpretation

The rafting industry is successfully riding a wave of growth by boldly navigating toward a more sustainable and inclusive future, though not without a few bumps from shifting consumer currents along the way.

Sources & References

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