The tourist industry is suffering in many traditional destination countries, yet outdoor companies say that sales of luggage, accessories and travel wear remain unaffected, whilst the independent tourism is growing. This is said to be good news for outdoor manufacturers, since the functional clothing offers more crossover potential than any other sector, organisers of OutDoor 2016 report.

The OutDoor 2016 leading international trade show will provide an overview of the latest trends and innovations for the travellers of tomorrow when it takes place from 13-16 July in Friedrichshafen.

Tourism industry is changing

The German Travel Association (DRV) has reported the impact of geopolitical factors on the tourism industry. For example, summer bookings are down by 40% in Turkey compared to the previous year. Other European travel associations are reporting similar lower-than-usual booking levels for Egypt and Tunisia.

However, the outdoor industry appears unaffected. “We’ve not seen any impact on our market,” said Columbia, a US based outdoor clothing company. “People continue to travel lots, although given the current political situation they are choosing different destinations.”

Lonely Planet, the independent traveller’s bible, currently recommends visiting the following countries: Botswana, Japan, Poland, Palau, Latvia, Australia, Uruguay, US, Greenland and Fiji. Not exactly classical, low-cost family destinations, but still potential paradises for outdoor and adventure travel.

Travelling with style

The Future institute ‘Zukunftsinstitut’ (Frankfurt/Vienna) observes a new phenomenon which it calls the normtrotter: a vacationer looking for a personalized experience, with a great amount of pre-planning involved. And from America, there’s a newly-coined expression to describe more affluent backpacking for normal travellers: flashpacking.

The term refers to traditional backpacking only with style, i.e. adventure travellers who desire style and comfort. Travellers in this growing segment prefer to sleep in their own hotel room, hire a car instead of using overcrowded coaches and plan ahead using modern communication devices rather than going with the flow and improvising.

“Backpacking used to be the exception, something for adventurers only. Nowadays, it’s a common way of travelling,” commented Thomas Groeger, country manager at Fjällräven, Germany.

Modern travel equipment

Modern travel equipment is designed to meet people’s requirements regarding performance and security. Backpacks and bags have anti-theft slashproof straps to stop bag slashers and RFID-blocking pockets to keep personal information and data safe.

Travel apparel is often made of insect-repelling fabrics or has UV protection suitable for tropical sun, plus moisture management and odour control. In addition, today’s travel wear is lightweight, easy-care and takes up little space in your backpack.

Crossover potential

Modern travel wear also offers significant crossover potential for outdoor and everyday use, organisers report. UV protection and protection against mosquitoes or ticks is also useful in central and northern Europe.

“Of course, urban outdoor, outdoor lifestyle and travel wear styles often look pretty similar,” said Wolfgang Jahn, sales manager Europe Royal Robbins. Oliver Robens, sales director Europe Craghoppers also commented: “It’s possible to look good both in the jungle and about town.”

www.outdoor-show.com