Industry Summit on the Economy
In an effort to keep on top of what is happening within our RV park and campground marketplace, ARVC recently held the second Summit on the Economy with participation in the conference call by State Executive Directors and State Presidents from across the country.
The general tone of the conversations is that reservations in sunbelt states are coming in slower this year than in prior years, but have picked up recently. Generally, business seem to be soft, but not off dramatically from last year. Parks in non-sunbelt areas say reservations are remaining strong for next year mainly in more metro areas.
However, there remains concern that rising unemployment could have its affect on our business, particularly if a bailout of the Big Three auto manufacturers doesn’t happen. That demographic is really the bread and butter of our business. Park owners are remaining optimistic, but are taking precautionary steps to slim down operations without having a negative effect on their guest experience.
One of the positive outcomes from the Summits is the creation of an online consumer survey that will give all of us a heads up on what consumers are thinking and where they will be traveling. All of the state association RV park and campground consumer websites along with www.GoCampingAmerica.com will have links to the survey and the information will be shared equally among the states and with our members. The survey is expected to go online by January 1.