| The Recreation Vehicle Industry Association (RVIA) has estimated that there are roughly 30 million RV enthusiasts across the United States. But this past summer, the pandemic sparked a boom in RV purchasing and campsite bookings as families and individuals alike were itching to leave their homes after months of quarantine. In fact, camping booking services reported major spikes following the end of the initial lockdown, with some services saying that they were 400% busier than the previous summer. And Paul Calandrella, general merchandising manager for camping at REI, told The Guardian that he expects camping gear demand to continue as a multi-year trend. Furthermore, the 2020 North American Camping Report revealed back in May that 46% of all leisure travelers considered camping the safest way to take a vacation during the pandemic. So, is now actually the best time to invest in an RV park or campgrounds franchise? The answer appears to be an enthusiastic “Yes!” Camping is undoubtedly the ideal manner of socially distant recreation. As an escape from the crowds and the hustle-and-bustle, campgrounds are a great place to go to avoid the spread of the virus. Unable to visit the standard tourist “hot spots” like beach towns and big cities, many Americans have turned to other forms of recreation, discovering our nation’s beautiful parks and outdoor facilities. Another survey showed that one-fourth of North American campers said that their very first camping trip occurred since the beginning of the pandemic, and it’s projected that 18% of these new campers will continue to visit campgrounds in the years to come. And as the pandemic rages on, we’re likely to see camping continue its hot streak as the weather warms up again – particularly as more people than ever are working from home. In fact, 56% of campers say that the ability to work remotely is allowing them to camp more often. If you’ve ever considered running your own campground business, now is the time to turn your dreams into a reality. Join the Jellystone Park franchise. We offer campground developers and newcomers to the industry a complete training program and marketing program to help them become profitable at a faster rate than they would if operating independently. Contact us today to learn more! |
