AusLeisure

Messe Frankfurt is to organise the first ever exhibition for outdoor sports and leisure activities, Outdoor China.

Co-organised with the China Outdoor Commerce Alliance, the event will run from 23rd to 25th June 2011 at the Shanghai Exhibition Centre. The fair will cover an area of 12,000 metre2 and is expected to attract 300 exhibitors and 9,000 visitors from around the world.

Exhibitors at Outdoor China are expected to include international and domestic manufacturers of apparel styles, backpacks, books and maps, outdoor equipment, footwear, material suppliers, tools and accessories. The event is expected to attract visitors connected with the production, purchase and promotion of bicycle, camp, paddle, snow, trail and wildlife based activities undertaken in a natural or an artificial natural environment.

The three-day event will be open to trade visitors for the first two days and the public on the final day. The cross-appeal of the show will be of particular interest to import and export companies, trading companies, department stores, outward-bound businesses, tourism associations and naturists.

As Stephan Buurma, Managing Director of Messe Frankfurt Asia Holding Ltd explains, "the outdoor pursuits industry in China is expected to grow annually by 30% in the coming years. This is an excellent opportunity for Messe Frankfurt to spread out into new markets. By combining our professional expertise and resources with those of our partner, Outdoor China will be the leading venue for outdoor equipment, apparels and related industries.

Han Yungang, Executive Vice Chairman of the China Outdoor Commerce Alliance added that "we are excited to be launching this new show with Messe Frankfurt, an international company that has over 20 years experience organising trade fairs in China. As a special platform promoting healthy lifestyle concepts, Outdoor China is a must attend event for anyone involved or interested in outdoor sports and leisure activities."

The Chinese economy has been developing robustly over the last decade. In 2009, it recorded a GDP growth of 8.7%, this figure rose to 11.9% in the first quarter of 2010. This has created an increasingly affluent and consumer aware population of 1.3 billion people, which is fuelling the development of an outdoor industry in China.

The growing prosperity of the Chinese people has led to a shift in work-life balance, where a greater value is now being placed on leisure time. This is reflected in there being 473 outdoor brands, 3,253 distributors and over 400 registered outward clubs in China.

In 2009, retail amount of outdoor sports products reached USD 715 million, up 32.9% year-on-year. This only accounts for a 1% stake in the countryâs sporting goods sector. In developed countries, outdoor sporting items have a 15 to 20% share of the sporting goods market. Thus, it is forecasted that Chinaâs outdoor industry has significant space to grow.

Among the many different cities in China, Shanghai scores the highest GDP per capita, it is the commercial hub of China. Correspondingly, the city has many department stores and retail outlets. International and domestic trendsetters and forecasters regard the metropolis as a directional fashion-forward centre. In addition, Shanghai is located two hours from Zhejiang province, where OEM and R&D factories produce many bags, footwear, outdoor apparel and accessories. Together, this makes Shanghai the ideal location to stage Outdoor China. Brands will be able to make contact with representatives of new production plants, plus, manufacturers and suppliers of outdoor related products can gain access to new distribution channels.

For more information go to www.outdoor-china.com

Image: Hiking on China's Mt. Kailash. Courtesy of Top China Travel. 

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