New research released today reveals that the appeal of outdoor activities has been boosted by enforced COVID- 19 restrictions. In a survey of consumers in seven countries* – UK, France, Germany, Spain, Italy, Poland, Sweden – 70% of respondents stated that they are specifically looking forward to participating in outdoor activities after lockdown eases. In addition, 67% agreed that they have really missed being able to take part in pursuits such as hiking, climbing, cycling, snow sports and other mountain activities during lockdown, while 86% stated that outdoor activities are essential for people’s wellbeing. Across Europe, 58% of consumers said that they have missed outdoor activities above all else while restrictions have been in place.

The research was undertaken during late April and early May on behalf of the European Outdoor Group (EOG) and the It’s Great Out There Coalition by consumer trends specialist Foresight Factory, with 1,000 active consumers in each market completing the study. The outdoor sector in the seven countries that took part is worth €3.9bn at wholesale. The wide-ranging survey explored participation levels in different outdoor activities in detail and identified variations by country, age, gender and other demographic measures. The research also explored the barriers that prevent people getting active in the outdoors and identified opportunities for overcoming those.

Of those who completed the survey, 62% usually participate in outdoor activities about monthly or more often, while 29% do so a few times a year. The high level of respondents who are looking forward to doing more in the outdoors after restrictions ease provides a significant sign of optimism for the European outdoor sector and supports the European Outdoor Group’s recent open letter to authorities to do more to promote participation and provide guidance for the safe reopening of outdoor activities.

Read the full article on itsgreatoutthere website