ISPOBeijing 2012Green LightExclusive coverage, news report dated February 25, 2012:
On February 24, 2012, the 3rd China Outdoor Industry Forum, hosted by ISPO China (Asia International Sporting Goods, Equipment & Fashion Expo), was held in Meeting Room E203 at the China National Convention Center. Following the success of the previous two editions, this year’s forum has seen significant improvements in theme selection, guest invitations, and format. The forum remains committed to focusing on the outdoor gear market while placing greater emphasis on outdoor sports, striving to deliver an inspiring and insightful event for the industry. The “2012 China Outdoor Industry Forum” also released the 《2011 Outdoor Brands Department Store Business Report》.
The term “Outdoor Second Generation” (户二代) is a new concept referring to the children of outdoor enthusiasts who frequently engage in outdoor activities. Outdoor activities are not only for adults—by cultivating interest in the outdoors from a young age, more teenagers can be encouraged to participate, thereby expanding the base of outdoor participants and promoting the development of China’s outdoor industry.
One of the notable themes at this year’s outdoor industry forum is the focus on “Outdoor Second Generation.” Mr. Zhou Wenfeng, General Manager of Green Light (绿野网), delivered a speech at the forum on the current status and future of the Outdoor Second Generation. He used data to illustrate the gap between China and developed countries such as those in Europe and America in terms of outdoor industry development, and analyzed how both in China and abroad, teenagers face numerous barriers to outdoor participation, including academic pressures and safety concerns.
The speech mentioned that according to a survey by the Outdoor Industry Association of America, while the overall number of people participating in outdoor activities in the U.S. has increased, the youth participation rate has declined. In 2007, 50% of Americans participated in outdoor activities, totaling 11.36 billion outings, including visits to parks and travel.
Although overall outdoor participation has risen, youth involvement has decreased, with the 6–17 age group seeing an 11% decline in outdoor activity participation compared to the previous year. This survey has drawn attention to the issue of youth engagement in outdoor activities.
A representative from the Outdoor Industry Alliance commented, “Currently, American youth are experiencing obesity and lack of exercise at unprecedented levels. Educating them about outdoor lifestyles can encourage participation in outdoor activities, as well as benefit their health, life, and career development.”
The survey also included the following points:
Number of Americans participating in outdoor activities:
The number of Americans participating in outdoor activities in 2007 increased by 5% compared to 2006, rising from 134.4 million in 2006 to 138.4 million in 2007.
Number of teenagers participating in outdoor activities:
The number of American youths aged 6–17 participating in outdoor activities in 2007 dropped by 11% compared to 2006, with particularly sharp declines among those aged 6–21, especially girls. Most young people participate in outdoor activities mainly due to parental, peer, family, or relative influence. The main reasons cited were for fun, followed by adventure, exploration, gaining experience, and exercise.
White Americans had the highest participation rates in outdoor activities, while African Americans had the lowest.
Gender preferences in outdoor activity participation:
Males participated in outdoor activities more than in indoor ball sports.
Despite the popularity of indoor fitness, more females participated in outdoor activities than in indoor fitness, with women aged 18–44 showing the highest participation rates in outdoor activities.
2012 China Outdoor Industry Forum venue
In conclusion, Mr. Zhou Wenfeng hopes that through this forum, more families will pay attention to the Outdoor Second Generation, to the healthy development of youth, and to the growth of China’s outdoor industry. He expressed his hope for better development of China’s outdoor sector.