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Rentals driving the sector, Prowinter tells the story |
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 Posted by Lidlbillionaire on Tuesday 23rd February, 2010 @ 13:23 GMT |
News Category: World Events | Visited 544 times |
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We can't really complain: there's more than enough snow on the Alps and Apennines. Perhaps not record levels, that's true, but ski resorts everywhere saw their seasons kick off on time and alpine tour operators continue to enjoy how they are progressing. But what about businesses in the industry, how are they doing? |
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Winter sports goods manufacturers and distributors, that is. Until end-of-period figures are to be had, they should consider themselves reasonably happy thanks to the cold spell and sales which have forced a sell-out despite the ongoing economic downturn. The real story is however, that performance varies largely from sector to sector. For example, whilst walking/mountain boot sales have dipped slightly, ski and snowboard rentals are positively booming. This was the picture painted of the Montebelluno (TV, Italy) Sportsystem District in the 24th OSEM (Montelliano Socio-Economic Observatory) 2008 Report, which also drew on its observation of international markets.
Ski and snowboard rentals have become big business the world over. You just have to look at turnover announced by the international organisation Skiset which generated revenues of €350 million in 2008 in centralized bookings of equipment between users and points of hire. Skiset - an online operation – sorts and places rental requests to 320 "centres" in France, 120 in Italy, and 210 across Austria, Switzerland and Spain. Skiset has plans for the near future to expand its operations to the US. Equally successful are Intersport France (+41% web-based equipment hire in 2008), Sport 2000 who set up Ski-Way in France in 2007, a specialist chain with now has more than 60 successful centres.
Nevertheless, not everyone subscribes to the opinion that the rental sector is helping to push up global revenues in the winter sports industry. Bruno Cercley, managing director of Rossignol, at the 14th December opening ceremony of the company's ultra-modern head office in Saint Jean de Moirans near Grenoble, claimed that the albeit positive boost in the rental sector allowing tens of skiers to use a single pair of skis, is actually what’s partially dragging down revenues for manufacturers. This may actually be the case, but one thing is for sure: markets evolve over time and the rental system has evolved in recent years, a change also seen in Italy. We now have a solid industry made up of independent chains and professional businesses with the same ability to create new jobs and guarantee employment. There are no official figures yet for the size of the sector but the outstanding success of the "Prowinter" show, the most highly accredited international trade show dedicated to this specific field, is incredible confirmation of its importance.
The 10th edition of "Prowinter" will be held in Bolzano from 13-15 April. As usual, almost every firm in the sector will be attending what will be their biggest, most important gathering, as well as a further opportunity to come together, communicate and grow. This year's edition in Bolzano is doubly important due to the other categories of mountain-related industries also scheduled to attend. "Prowinter 2010" will be taking place, as always happens in even years, at the same time as "Alpitec 2010", the alpine and winter technologies showcase, mainly dedicated to snowmaking equipment, ropeway systems and ski lifts, vehicles and equipment for ski slope grooming and trail maintenance, ticketing and admission control systems, and communication and information technologies.
There to endorse the already well-established exhibitions (mainly dedicated to business-to-business) with a stand of there own will be all the major trade associations, along with high-profile parallel events. As usual, numerous well-known Italian and international experts will be in Bolzano for each of the various events.
15 April 2010, the final day of "Alpitec/Prowinter", will see the 7th Alto Adige and Tyrol day, focusing on cableways. Scheduled to take place from 09.30 to 13.30, this event is organized by the Alto Adige association of cableway operators and Tyrolean specialist cableway group, who take it in turns every two years to stage their general assembly. Some 150-200 members are expected to attend, including several important political figures. |
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