Green Living Project Expands to South America
March 25, 2009
New expedition to Ecuador, Brazil, and Peru features partnerships with Ecuador Ecotourism Association, Ecuador Tourism, Brazil Tourism, and LAN Airlines
Los Angeles, CA (March 25th, 2009) – Green Living Project, the leading media production and marketing company showcasing global sustainability initiatives, has announced their newest media expedition, this time to South America (April 5-30). Green Living Project™ will document 9 new sustainability initiatives administered by leading conservation organizations, non-profits, foundations, travel companies, and eco-lodges. These projects will be incorporated into the company’s online and offline content distribution platforms to educate and inspire individuals and communities on the importance and benefits of sustainable living.
Green Living Project (GLP) will be documenting projects in Ecuador, Brazil, and Peru, some of the leading responsible tourism and sustainability-focused destinations in South America. In these countries, GLP will collaborate with the following organizations on sustainability initiatives such as responsible tourism, wildlife conservation, voluntourism, environmental education, organic farming, renewable energy, eco-lodges, and indigenous communities.
- Ecuador Ecotourism Association (ASEC)
- Ecuador Tourism Board
- Brazil Tourism Board
- Amazon Conservation Association (ACA)
- Mountain Lodges of Peru, and several others
“The Ecuador Ecotourism Association (ASEC) and Ecuador Tourism Board are excited to collaborate with Green Living Project during their upcoming media expedition to Ecuador,” said Christian Mera, Executive Director of ASEC. “We look forward to having GLP document successful examples of sustainability across Ecuador. We have also found an amazing opportunity to promote the wonders of Ecuador as a premier destination for sustainable tourism in South America to the adventure and responsible tourism market across North America.”
“Brazil Tourism Board’s Public Relations Department supports foreign journalists coming to Brazil to promote our cultural and natural diversity, as well as our tourist destinations,” said Mariana Szauter, Public Relations Manager of Brazil Tourism Board. “We look forward to having Green Living Project help us build an awareness around sustainability, biodiversity, and natural resource conservation, while also helping to increase global social responsibility.”
“Receiving strong support from leading tourism boards (Ecuador, Brazil) and an established global airline (LAN Airlines) was important in GLP’s expansion to South America,” said Rob Holmes, Founder and President of Green Living Project. “South America offers such an exciting contrast to our extensive work across Africa. From varied terrain (Amazon rainforest, Andean cloud forests, volcanic landscapes, Pacific Ocean) to diverse local sustainability and conservation project themes (brazil nuts, indigenous communities, sea turtles, spectacled bears, permaculture), we are excited to document, promote, and distribute these successful and educational sustainability projects.”
This South American media expedition will feature new interactive and social media applications as consumers can monitor and track the expeditions via the following:
- Twitter: Short daily text updates
- Facebook: Periodic text, photo, video updates
- Google Maps®: Real-time tracking of the media expedition whiles in the field (launching April 6th)
About Green Living Project
Green Living Project (GLP) is the leading media production and marketing company showcasing global sustainable initiatives. Through various multi-media production and distribution techniques, GLP aims to educate, inspire and entertain while encouraging individuals and communities on the importance and benefits of sustainable living. GLP markets and promotes its exclusive media content online and through a North American “Event Series”. Key partners and sponsors include National Geographic Adventure, Recreational Equipment Inc. (REI), African Wildlife Foundation, Earthwatch Institute, Green Festival, Adventures in Travel Expo, Timberland, Gregory Mountain Products, and Keen Footwear. Green Living Project™ is a privately held company located outside of Los Angeles, California. For more information, please visit www.greenlivingproject.com or contact Rob Holmes at (818) 988-2234 or rob@greenlivingproject.com.
Media Contacts
Rob Holmes Theresa Blake
Green Living Project Verde PR
+1 (818) 515-5167 +1 (970) 259-3555
rob@greenlivingproject.com theresa@verdepr.com
AdventureLink Acquires Key Competitor, Adventure Central
March 19, 2009
Acquisition Creates the Largest Adventure Travel Booking Company Worldwide
LOS ANGELES, CA–(Marketwire – March 19, 2009) – Continuing to forge ahead with a pattern of unprecedented growth, AdventureLink, Inc. today announced the acquisition of its key competitor, Denver-based Adventure Central Inc., in an all-stock transaction. In addition, Allegis Capital, the largest investor in Adventure Central, has backed AdventureLink with an additional investment.
AdventureLink is the largest online source for booking adventure travel, worldwide, while Adventure Central is the dominant supplier of single day adventure trips. The acquisition brings these two, leading, online travel companies together creating the most comprehensive online source for finding and booking adventure travel.
The combined companies now represent over 60,000 trips and activities sourced from nearly 1,800 suppliers in 165 countries, enabling consumers and travel agents to easily find, learn about and book some of the planet’s most memorable and authentic travel experiences.
AdventureLink CEO Kelly Tompkins states, “Adventure Central is a natural fit for AdventureLink adding a broad range of day trips to our existing multi-day portfolio. Our objective with this inventory is to forge partnerships with hoteliers, web affiliates, and others interested in utilizing our affiliate system to sell day or multi-day adventure trips.”
Peter Bodine, managing director at Allegis Capital, says the combining of these top adventure travel companies creates a comprehensive source for anyone looking to find, review, or book their next great adventure trip.
“Our firm is extremely bullish on the Adventure Travel sector,” says Bodine, “and AdventureLink represented one of the most attractive ways to monetize the further growth of Adventure Travel on the web.”
In February, AdventureLink announced its launch of the world’s first online booking system for adventure travel developed in conjunction with its partner, VAX VacationAccess. The AdventureLink system opens up booking capability for adventure travel opportunities worldwide providing easy access and distribution to over 70,000 leisure travel agents across North America.
Also in February, AdventureLink announced the completion of ‘Series A’ funding with top Southern California venture capital firms Anthem Venture Partners (www.anthemvp.com) and The Mail Room Fund (www.mailroomfund.com).
With the acquisition, Adventure Central will relocate to AdventureLink’s L.A. headquarters and AdventureLink will continue to maintain the AdventureCentral.com website and other Adventure Central affiliate partners’ sites.
About Allegis Capital
Allegis Capital is a seed and early stage venture capital firm focused on the digital economy. The venture firm has five funds and has invested in more than 70 companies including Ironport Systems, RIBBIT, LGC Wireless, SandPiper – Digital Island, Rent.com, Shopzilla, Comparnet and StepUp Commerce. Based in Palo Alto, California, Allegis has assets under management of $500M. For more information, visit: www.allegiscapital.com.
About AdventureLink
AdventureLink is the largest online source for travel professionals and consumers to book adventure travel with over 60,000 trips offered by over 1,800 tour operators worldwide. For more information, go to: www.adventurelink.com.
Elemental Kite Club
March 18, 2009
Elemental Kite Club offers an adventurous kitesurfing experience on the tranquil shores of Costa Esmeralda in Veracruz, Mexico. The peaceful beach and ideal weather conditions make the location perfect for this fast growing extreme sport. The Elemental Kite Club has teamed up with Taboga, a beautiful eco boutique hotel, to provide facilities tailored to meet the needs of kitesurfers. Good wind, delicious food, lots of sunshine and gracious hospitality will entice visitors to stay long past their holiday.
Guests can pump kites up on the large lawn between the rooms and the ocean, also providing ample space for cleaning, drying and storing kites. There are miles of empty, hazardless beach to enjoy—one may find oneself solo on the beautiful sea. After a brilliant session, kiters can land their gear on the lawn in front of the palm-thatch Palapa Bar and rinse off with a fresh water shower before relaxing with a delicious snack or a mango margarita. Guests can finish the day with a dip in the lovely pool.
The windy season on this part of the Gulf of Mexico starts in October and continues through to June, with wind direction is mainly sideshore or side onshore. From November to February strong northerly winds “Nortes” are common throughout the season. The wind usually blows all afternoon so mornings can be spent relaxing by the pool, treating yourself to a massage in our spa, enjoying the local nature on one of our eco-tours or by taking a trip to the ancient ruins of El Tajin. These activities are ideal for non-kiting guests and low-wind days so there is always plenty of fun to be had. In the evenings, guest can enjoy a delicious dinner at the Mexican Fusion restaurant, chill out in the Jacuzzi, and then join us on the beach for a bonfire and endless stargazing.
Elemental Kite Club was created by two keen kitesurfing friends. La Costa Esmeralda is the perfect spot for adventurous kitesurfers from all over the world to get together and share their passion. Here kiters can enjoy excellent living facilities and great service in a safe environment, plus miles of coast to explore by kite or on foot. In the near future Elemental Kite Club will open a Kitesurfing School offering lessons to beginners and intermediate students, as well as an equipment rental service and a kite store.
Elemental Kite Club also organizes downwinders to and from our beach plus kite trips to nearby locations such as the huge Laguna Tamihua, a relatively unexplored spot combining flat water and strong winds.
If you are eager for great kiting and a peaceful holiday, come join us here on the Gulf Coast of Mexico! For more details, please visit www.elementalkiteclub.com
The Outdoor Foundation 2009 Participation Topline Report Shows Solid Increase in Active, Nature-based Outdoor Recreation
March 18, 2009
Overall Participation in Recreation, Sports and Fitness Remains Steady
Washington, DC — Initial data from the 2009 Outdoor Recreation Participation Topline Report, published by The Outdoor Foundation, shows that an increasing number of Americans returned to nature and active outdoor activities last year. The study finds sizeable participation increases in nearly every nature-based activity including double-digit increases in backpacking, mountain biking and trail running and close to a ten percent increase in hiking and camping. Overall participation trends in recreation, sports and fitness remained largely unchanged from last year.
“Americans, once again, are finding solace and security, adventure and excitement in the great outdoors,” said Christine Fanning, executive director of The Outdoor Foundation. “During these challenging economic times, a return to affordable, nature-based recreation allows individuals, friends and families to reconnect — with one another, with the natural world and with natural values.”
The Outdoor Foundation 2009 Outdoor Recreation Participation Topline Report also shows increases in many active outdoor activities among youth, showing a positive trend from 2008 in some key areas. Biking, backpacking and hiking are just a few of the activities that show increases in participation among young people. Overall, outdoor participation for youth ages 6 – 12 is down 7.6% from last year, showing a continued need to focus on connecting kids and nature.
“It is certainly encouraging to see an increase of youth participation in some important recreation categories, but more must be done,” continued Fanning. “Public and private partnerships, effective outreach programs and creative campaigns must be top priorities for every sector of society if we are to truly inspire and grow the next generation of outdoor enthusiasts.”
Retail sales information from Outdoor Industry Association supports the assumption that Americans are returning to nature and outdoor activities. The Outdoor Industry displayed recession resilience in 2008, outperforming many other industries, with a 5% gain over 2007.
The Outdoor Foundation’s 2009 Outdoor Recreation Participation Topline Report details Americans’ participation in outdoor activities from 2007 to 2008. The Report is a high level overview of The Foundation’s full Participation Report, which will be released later this year with expanded data and full analysis.
The Outdoor Foundation’s Outdoor Recreation Participation Report is the only detailed study of its kind tracking American participation trends in outdoor recreation. The study is based on an on-line survey capturing responses from over 40,000 Americans ages six and older and covers 114 different outdoor activities, making it the largest survey of its type examining participation in sports and outdoor activities. The survey represents a collaborative effort among The Outdoor Foundation, Sporting Goods Manufacturers Association, National Golf Foundation, and Snow Sports Industries America.
A copy of the 2009 Outdoor Recreation Participation Topline Report along with the 2008 Outdoor Recreation Participation Report can be downloaded from The Outdoor Foundation website at http://www.outdoorfoundation.org/research
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About The Outdoor Foundation
The Outdoor Foundation is a not-for-profit organization dedicated to inspiring and growing future generations of outdoor enthusiasts. Through ground-breaking research, action-oriented convening and outreach and education programs, The Foundation is working with partners to mobilize a major cultural shift that leads all American back to the great outdoors. For more information, visit www.outdoorfoundation.org.
Contact Information:
Christine Fanning
The Outdoor Foundation
202-271-3252
cfanning@outdoorfoundation.org
Wild Frontiers
March 17, 2009
WILD FRONTIERS, is an award-winning adventure travel company specializing in stylish and original small group tours and tailor-made holidays to some of the most interesting countries in Africa, Asia, Europe and South America.
Founded in 2002 by the acclaimed adventure travel writer, Jonny Bealby, on the premise of developing ‘a company run by travelers, for travelers’, our reputation has been forged by creating exciting itineraries that combine true off-the-beaten-track travel with a unique blend of luxury and adventure, a variety of transport and activities and fascinating cross-cultural interaction. We uncover the lives of the people as well as exploring the landscape, history, culture and cuisine, ultimately leaving our clients with the unforgettable experience of having journeyed beneath each region’s surface and discovered the heartbeat within. Destinations include Pakistan, India, Bhutan, Libya, Ethiopia, Iran, Syria, Yemen, Georgia, Tajikistan, Kyrgyzstan, China, Colombia & Ecuador.
Responsible travel and sustainable tourism is an ethos Wild Frontiers has been committed to since our birth. Our adventures are designed with the local people, culture and eco-system in mind. We believe that a successful trip not only delivers a unique and unsurpassable journey for our clients, but that it also benefits the peoples whose lands we are privileged to visit.
Small Groups and ‘low-impact’ tourism
We strategically limit our group sizes to a maximum of 12 people (despite the fact that as a business it would be infinitely more lucrative to run with larger group sizes) because we feel strongly that our presence should be as unobtrusive and low key as possible. Whereas some tour operators run back-to-back trips around a destination, we limit our departures to one or two trips a year for most destinations, again ensuring a ‘low-impact’ style of tourism.
By keeping the number of visitors low and the trips infrequent we don’t ‘overload’ any particular area. Each trip is run with several months between departures, ensuring that the negative effects of “mass tourism” can be kept to a minimum. As we spearhead tourism into areas where most other companies do not venture, our aim is to bring an income to these areas, without making local people dependant on the tourist dollar.
The Wild Frontiers Foundation
In order to facilitate an enduring support structure for the communities we visit, and to show a commitment to these values, in Janurary 2009 Wild Frontiers set up a charitable foundation through which we can channel funds to both existing NGOs and our own development projects. In addition to organising ethically sensitive tours, having our own charitable foundation allows us to raise money – through the cost of our tours, charity trips and fund raising events – which can then be used to fund various projects in education, sanitation, reforestations and a number of other important issues facing developing communities. Wherever possible we are happy for our clients to visit these projects to see for themselves where and how this money is being spent. This is a very exciting development for us and something we hope in time will become a major part of our organisation.
Visit www.wildfrontiers.co.uk
Pangeans Safari
March 17, 2009
Pangeans Safari is an Ethiopian-based tour operation run by Liza Andreou and Christos Michailidis. Pangeans Safari presently has guided over land safari tours, for the adventurers or those seeking history and culture, of one of the worlds oldest civilizations Ethiopia and wonderful Djibouti. We cater to groups of no more than 12 travel bugs with all inclusive tour packages and English/Greek speaking guides.
Ethiopia’s sovereign history has left its very diverse and fertile lands filled with historical and cultural treasures, ranging from the ancient tombs, and obelisks of Axum to 17th-century castles, to fascinating animistic cultures of the southern peoples.
Dijibouti, despite being one of Africa’s smallest countries, offers an outer-world experience with its lunar like landscapes, and vast red dessert sands that are truly moving, along with French-influenced cuisine and pale sandy beaches Dijibouti is a travelers delight.
As a tour operator, East Africa is has given me an opportunity to witness social and environmental changes, some positive and some negative.
Pangeans Safari is willing to work with/cooperate with organizations who promote conservation of indigenous cultures and the preservation of wildlife and the environment in Ethiopia.
Mountain Lodges of Peru wins international TO-DO contest
March 17, 2009
(Berlin, Cusco) Two years after the opening of the first trans-Anden lodge-to-lodge trek to Machu Picchu, Mountain Lodges of Peru (MLP) has won the grand prize of the renown competition TO DO! – Contest Socially Responsible Tourism. Following a comprehensive jury inspection on site, the prize was awarded during this year’s travel trade show ITB in Berlin on Friday, March 13th. “This is the result of our business strategy which from the beginning included the involvement of local communities and the use of environmentally sound practices”, Enrique Umbert Jr, General Manager of MLP is glad to point out.
The rationale for the award says: “MLP offers unusual trekking tours that satisfy the highest expectations regarding comfort and quality.”….”The company combines an economically promising strategy with comprehensive social and ecological responsibility in a plausible manner and helps to strengthen cultural identity.”
In Peru the MLP tourism concept is innovative and unique, as it is not focused exclusively on operating trips. To address environmental issues, they have set up a professional eco-team that surveys the trek, provides trail maintenance and clean-up, and assists with reforestation and wildlife conservation. Clean energy for the lodges will be obtained by micro-hydro projects that will also benefit the communities.
The social responsibility component of MLP is handled by a non-profit organization called “Yanapana” (“Help” in Quechua language; www.yanapana.org) which serves the people who live in the region. Members of the local communities have been trained to work in the lodges; they are given micro loans and technical assistance to improve the quality and sale of regional products such as preserves, weavings and vegetables. Medical care and education support for more than 1,700 children in the region is provided as well.
“During the building of the four first-class lodges in the Andes we strictly followed a concept that served the people and preserves the environment”, explains Enrique Umbert Sr, CEO of MLP. The lodges were designed by a local architect who incorporated the traditional Inca style of stone and adobe houses with straw roofs with more modern concepts of comfort and energy efficiency in such a way that the buildings completely blend into the Andean landscape; moreover, all the lodges fit well and deep into Inca mythology, architecturally and conceptually. The lodges feature rustic-elegant double bedrooms with private facilities, hot showers, heaters and Jacuzzis. Unique “Andean energetic cuisine” provides excellent and innovative meals in both lodges and along the trail, using local produce and organic food.
The travellers experience all this during the fully guided round trip from Cusco on the Salkantay lodge-to-lodge trek to Machu Picchu and back to the famous Inca capital. Over two thousand international hikers so far enjoyed this unique combination of first class accommodation and contact with people and nature. More information about the prize winning company MLP and the unique possibility to explore nature and culture in the Peruvian Andes is provided at the ITB, Berlin, March 10-15th, HALL 1.1, BOOTH 106 attended by representatives of MLP, Peru.
Further Information: Regine Vogel, Media Relations Europe
e-mail: media@mountainlodgesofperu.com
Elisabeth Leitner-Rauchdobler, Sales Europe
e-mail: elisabeth.lr@mountainlodgesofperu.com
Asia Travel Experts See Surge in Last-minute Bookings
March 17, 2009
Immediate Turnaround No Problem for Asia Transpacific Journeys
BOULDER, CO, March 2009 – Time was when a trip to Asia was months in the planning. Now that’s no longer true, according to Asia Transpacific Journeys.
“A family called on Thursday. They had good airline rates to Thailand. We put the trip together for them overnight and they were out the door on Sunday,” says Marilyn Downing Staff, CEO of Asia Transpacific Journeys, specialists in travel to Asia and Pacific Rim destinations for 21 years.
Does this mean that the price of airline tickets is driving folks’ travel decisions?
In some cases, yes, Downing Staff says, remembering when the time between request and travel was about nine months out.
“Our clients are also booking last-minute, booking shorter trips and visiting destinations that are very economical, but they’re not taking what might be called budget trips,” she says. “They may forego a five-star accommodation for four stars but they still want private guides, authentic experiences and comfort with value.”
She says with demand down it’s now possible to book last-minute travel to Asia and secure amazing accommodations that formerly were booked solid months in advance. “With our connections we are pulling off some amazing hat tricks for our travelers these days,” says Downing Staff. “If you want to stay in a maharajah’s palace next week we can make it happen.”
About Asia Transpacific Journeys
Asia Transpacific Journeys is a Boulder, Colorado-based Asia travel company and Asia tour operator specializing in Custom Journeys and Small Group Trips to Asia and the Pacific region since 1987. Outstanding service, long-standing connections in Asia and deeply insightful cultural interpretation make them the Asia travel company of choice for the American Museum of Natural History, The Harvard and Yale alumni associations, the World Wildlife Fund, as well as discerning individuals, their families and friends. Journey Beyond the Ordinary ™ http://www.AsiaTranspacific.com
Adventure Travel Trade Mission Delivers Sustainable Development Support to Jordan
March 16, 2009
(SEATTLE, WASHINGTON) – (March 16, 2009) – In a February 2009 joint mission between the Adventure Travel Trade Association (ATTA), National Geographic ADVENTURE (NGA) magazine and sustainable adventure tourism consultancy, Xola Consulting, Jordanian tourism officials gained new perspectives on the country’s adventure tourism market potential and suggestions on sustainable development strategies to help fuel its emerging adventure tourism industry.
At the invitation of the Jordan Tourism Board (JTB), ATTA President Shannon Stowell, NGA Director of Travel, Bryan Kinkade, and Xola Consulting President Christina Heyniger, spoke on the subject of adventure tourism at the Jordan Travel Mart (JTM). The three joined a panel with Chris Johnson of Wild Jordan to deliver a perspective on adventure travel worldwide and how Jordan’s offering is an ideal match to what today’s travelers seek. In particular, the panel communicated what constitutes adventure travel and what travelers are increasingly demanding: a combination of physical activity, exposure to the natural environment, and immersive, authentic experiences with local peoples and cultures.
Information provided by the U.S.-based group included strategies for getting an adventure market up and running; resource diagnostic and evaluation tools to support destinations rich in cultural, natural beauty and outdoor recreation activities to better understand and responsibly develop their resources; and suggestions for crafting new adventure product itineraries. To view the presentation delivered in Jordan, click here.
Guidance provided by the group was rooted in the philosophy of sustainable development. The team’s recommendations were informed by the adventure industry’s Adventure Tourism Development Index (ATDI), which articulates the principles of sustainable tourism development specifically for adventure markets. The ATDI (www.adventureindex.travel) principles encourage markets that provide for the economic, environmental and social benefits important to individual host communities, country level tourism industry managers and travelers.
Prior to the JTM, Stowell, Kinkade and Heyniger, representing different sectors of the travel trade, took time for an exploratory mission to visit well-known destinations in southern Jordan including Wadi Rum, Petra and Aqaba, but with an adventure twist. Cycling from Petra to Wadi Rum was one of the ways the team traveled through traditional Jordanian tourist hotspots, which can be seen through an uncommon lens that allows travelers to immerse themselves into both nature and local cultures more easily. Canyoning in Zarqa Ma’in near Amman, swimming in a hot springs river and hiking in Wadi Rum rounded out their itinerary. In addition, the group spent a half-day visiting, learning and supporting staff members at the King Hussein Center for Handicapped Children, one of several organizations participating in Jordan’s emerging volunteer tourism sector.
According to the group, Jordan is an attractive destination for people interested in learning about the Middle East, which has in recent years has emerged as a region of increased interest among both U.S.-based tour operators and travelers. Adventure travel, with its focus on more in-depth explorations offers people a new, authentic and largely untapped way to experience the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan.
“It’s clear that Jordan has outstanding adventure tourism opportunities, and we only scratched the very surface of what’s available. A key challenge for destination managers will be structuring development to incorporate communities and stay within the capacity limits of nature reserves,” said Heyniger.
Jordan has already taken significant steps to balancing the demands of tourism and the needs of nature conservation through the Royal Society for the Conservation of Nature (RSCN). The RSCN has the stated mission of protecting Jordan’s distinct natural resources while encouraging ecotourism businesses for the benefit of local communities. The RSCN manages nine different reserves in Jordan, each with a distinct ecosystem.
Increasingly, the ATTA, Xola and National Geographic Adventure are teaming up to offer emerging adventure destinations insights on how to tap and responsibly serve the rapidly growing niche of adventure travel. The group, representing varied, yet complementary perspectives, also are helping to raise awareness of new opportunities to adventure travelers worldwide.
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About ATTA
Established in 1990, the Seattle-based ATTA (www.adventuretravel.biz) is a global membership organization dedicated to unifying, networking, professionalizing, promoting and responsibly growing the adventure travel market. ATTA members include tour operators, destination marketing organizations, tourism boards, specialty travel agents, guides, accommodations, media and service providers. The ATTA presents www.adventure.travel, an expansive consumers directory to global adventure travel resources, destinations and operators, as well as the annual Adventure Travel World Summit executive conferences (www.adventuretravelworldsummit.com).
About National Geographic ADVENTURE
National Geographic ADVENTURE magazine is the ultimate guide to the adventure lifestyle. It serves and inspires people who have a passion for travel and the outdoors, enjoy challenging themselves mentally and physically, and are interested in learning about the cultural and natural resources that make each destination unique. ADVENTURE delivers a compelling mix of award-winning adventure travel journalism, dramatic photography, and useful personal service information on travel destinations, adventure sports, gear and technology, and more. Its 2.3 million readers are trendsetters in the marketplace who thrive on new experiences and lead values-driven lives. ADVENTURE is the fastest-growing magazine in both the travel and outdoor categories. Its editorial mission supports National Geographic Society’s corporate global mission to inspire people to care about the planet.
About Xola Consulting, Inc.
Xola Consulting, Inc. (www.xolaconsulting.com) is a consulting and research services firm assisting tour operators, tourism boards and non-profit organizations with sustainable adventure tourism destination and product development, marketing and research. The Xola team is made up of consultants who, in addition to having consulting industry expertise, are also unique in that many of them have owned, operated or guided for adventure travel companies. Xola also provides Off the Radar (www.travelofftheradar.com) a newsletter and website providing travelers with information about the best adventure operators around the world – those who provide guests with a genuine, personal experience; who believe in sustainable, environmentally sensitive travel; and who believe in incorporating the local people and traditions of the places where they operate.
January Outdoor Sales Mixed Bag as Retail Prices Plunge, Internet Sales Strong
March 11, 2009
BOULDER, CO (March 11th, 2009) – January 2009 retail sales for all core outdoor stores (chain, internet, specialty)* started off the new year on a mixed note, according to the most recent edition of The Outdoor Industry Association (OIA) Outdoor Topline Report, produced for OIA by the Leisure Trends Group.
According to The OIA Outdoor Topline Report, retail sales for all core outdoor stores (chain, internet, specialty)* gained 4% in dollars ($363,157,003) compared to January 2008 ($350,116,342), with the internet channel realizing a 35% gain in dollar sales while specialty stores (-2%) and chain stores (-8%), logged declines in overall dollars this month.
Internet Sales Continue to Grow
Online sales were very healthy in January. Retail prices plunged across the board as consumers took advantage of bargains and sales; however, the resultant increase in units was more than enough to make up the difference. The channel improved on last January’s dollar sales by double-digits in nearly every category and moved from 21% of total dollars sold last January to 27% this month. Carryover (defined as old and/or discontinued merchandise) sales leapt to record amounts in January, a significant factor in driving prices down and units up for the period.
Category Bright Spots
Although total sales dropped 2% in specialty stores this month, there were many bright spots. Categories with dollar growth in January included packs, climbing gear, winter equipment, hiking boots, winter boots, trail running shoes and multisport shoes. Accessories were especially hot sellers this month, as most equipment, apparel and footwear accessory categories enjoyed healthy growth compared to last January.
In chain stores, sales were driven by good deals and low retail-selling prices. The entire channel was up 5% in unit sales but fell 8% in dollars as plunging retail prices ate away gains from increased volume. Nearly every product category saw retail prices slip significantly from January 2008. Carryover product sales soared in almost every category, moving from 2% of all chain dollar sales last January to 7% this month and contributing to the overall decline in retail prices. The equipment accessory category was the only major product category to gain dollar sales this month, inching up 1%.
Positive Growth in Paddlesports
All paddle product sales from all three channels (specialty, chain, and internet) grew 7% in dollars this month. Compared to last January, specialty stores grew 6% in dollars, chain stores dipped 14% and internet grew 46% off an extremely small base. Boats, paddles and accessories each increased sales in specialty stores this month. As a whole, January is not a significant month for paddlesport sales; it typically accounts for about 2% of each year’s total sales and is traditionally the smallest month for sales. Nonetheless, the positive January growth was a welcome start to the calendar year.
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To access the OIA outdoor retail sales Topline data and to review trends by industry channel and category, OIA members can log in at www.outdoorindustry.org or call 303.444.3353 for assistance.
For additional brand growth and brand and model market share reports, please contact Leisure Trends Group at 303.786.7900 x107 www.leisuretrends.com.
*OIA Topline Report Outdoor and Paddle channels include: outdoor and paddle specialty, national outdoor chains, regional sporting goods chains and outdoor (and paddle) internet specialty merchants.
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About Outdoor Industry Association
Outdoor Industry Association® (OIA) is a national trade association whose mission is to ensure the growth and success of the outdoor industry. OIA provides trade services for over 4000 manufacturers, distributors, suppliers, sales representatives and retailers in the outdoor industry. OIA programs include representation in government/legislative affairs, market and social research, business-to-business services and youth outreach initiatives. Educational events include the annual RendezvousTM, Outdoor University®, and the Capitol Summit. Outdoor Industry Association is based in Boulder, Colorado, and is the title sponsor of the Outdoor Retailer tradeshows. For more information go to www.outdoorindustry.org or call 303.444.3353.
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