Leisure

GLOBAL INVESTOR FOCUS Leisure — 03
Time is of the essence! Everywhere, people are complaining about
the lack of leisure time and growing time pressure. Probably everyone
is bothered now and then with the feeling of having too little
time. The pleasure of having free time at one’s disposal is not a foregone
conclusion. In fact, leisure time is a key resource that should
be utilized meaningfully.
At the same time, people are rediscovering the value of the
quality of life. Personal health is more important, family life is more
fulfilling, and a day spent in the great outdoors is more beneficial
than focusing on material objects and goods. More and more people
perceive prosperity as the social quality of life, rather than the
mere improvement in living standards. Consequently, the focus on
a sense of meaning will play a significant role in the future.
Nevertheless, in order to enjoy leisure, time as well as money
are always necessities. Coincidentally, the emergence of all the
new consumer goods and services also raises a reasonable question
that deserves an answer: What is it all for? If the findings of
research on the future of the leisure industry prove true, then the
markets of tomorrow will inevitably be characterized by a sense of
purpose too. Communicating values, rather than advertising messages,
could then be what appeals to consumers who also see
themselves as a generation seeking a sense of meaning.
The analysts at Credit Suisse as well as international specialists
in the field have put together a compilation of the most important
trends in the leisure industry, featured in this latest issue of Global
Investor Focus. How has the sense of leisure time evolved, and
which sociological and demographical factors have an influence on
free time? What are the key leisure trends in the Western world
and Asia? Technology, consumer goods and mobility are just a few
of the sectors that play a paramount part in leisure time activities.
Whether football or wellness, enjoying the arts or shopping,
watching television at home or vacationing in a faraway land: tourism,
technology, media – including the markets for video games
and the Internet – education, culture, sports and entertainment are
all obvious growth sectors. The leisure industry thrives on the multifaceted
spectrum of offerings. And the secret of success lies in
people’s growing desire for a better quality of life. I hope you find
it entertaining reading.
Photo: Thomas Eugster, Cover: www.massstudies.com
Urs Dickenmann, Head Private Banking Switzerland