As outdoor participation increases, more people seek health benefits of outdoor activity, according to Winnebago Industries insights survey
May 23 2024 - 4:02PM
More Americans are looking to the outdoors as a place to find
health and happiness than ever before according to a recent survey
from Winnebago Industries (NYSE: WGO), a leading manufacturer of
outdoor recreation products. Now in its fourth year, the Winnebago
Industries Spotlight Survey looks at outdoor industry trends and
consumer behavior. Overall, 71% percent of respondents in this
year’s survey agree that outdoor activities are beneficial to their
health, an increase of three points from 2023.
Also highlighted by the survey is the steady increase in outdoor
participation, with 89% of respondents indicating that they
participated in an outdoor activity, defined as camping, hiking,
boating, or visiting a national/state park, in 2023 – up 29% since
2020, and a trend that is expected to continue.
“Our latest insights reinforce a strong link between outdoor
activities and physical and mental well-being,” said Amber Holm,
chief marketing officer of Winnebago Industries. “Respondents said
the top three reasons outdoor activity positively impacts their
life is because it improves physical health, improves mental health
and reduces stress.”
Outdoor participation in 2024 expected to
increase
After the COVID-19 pandemic, some predicted that interest in
outdoor activity might wane as other entertainment options
reopened, but that has not been the case.
When asked about their plans for 2024, 86% of respondents said
they plan to increase or maintain their current participation level
in outdoor activities. With summer just around the corner,
Americans are readying for vacation and travel time, and 95% of
respondents indicated they plan to participate in an outdoor
activity this summer.
For camping and RVing this year, 37% of respondents plan on
camping (an increase of two points from last year) and 11% of
respondents plan to go on an RV trip (steady from last year).
“As people spend more time outside, they often find impactful
emotional benefits, including feelings of freedom, personal growth
and connection – both to the natural environment and to family and
friends,” said Holm.
Introducing and providing access to the outdoors to
younger generations remains critical
Research has shown that nature provides children, adolescents
and young adults with a rich and dynamic environment that
stimulates curiosity, creativity and physical activity. Sixty-nine
percent of survey respondents agree that outdoor activities are a
good way to reduce screen time.
It is important to expose kids to the outdoors at an early age,
as almost two-thirds (63%) of respondents started participating in
outdoor activities as children, fueling a lifelong interest in
enjoying nature. However, only 45% of Gen Z respondents said they
feel comfortable in the outdoors compared to 62% of millennials who
strongly agreed that they feel comfortable in the outdoors.
“At Winnebago Industries, we encourage everyone to enjoy more
time outside, or bring someone new to the outdoors along on your
next outing, whether its enjoying a family adventure with one of
our RVs or boats or simply going for a walk in the park,” said
Holm. “We are excited to see a continued interest in spending time
outside and a deeper understanding of the benefits nature can
provide.”
About Winnebago IndustriesWinnebago
Industries, Inc. is a leading North American manufacturer of
outdoor recreation products under the Winnebago, Grand Design,
Chris-Craft, Newmar and Barletta brands, which are used primarily
in leisure travel and outdoor recreation activities. The Company
builds high-quality motorhomes, travel trailers, fifth-wheel
products, outboard and sterndrive powerboats, pontoons, and
commercial community outreach vehicles. Committed to advancing
sustainable innovation and leveraging vertical integration in key
component areas, Winnebago Industries has multiple facilities in
Iowa, Indiana, Minnesota, and Florida. The Company’s common stock
is listed on the New York Stock Exchange and traded under the
symbol WGO. For access to Winnebago Industries' investor relations
material or to add your name to an automatic email list for Company
news releases, visit http://investor.wgo.net.
Media Contact: Daniel
Sullivan media@winnebagoind.com
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