RV Industry Association President Craig Kirby is hopeful about the future of the RV industry in the aftermath of COVID-19.
Kirby wrote a letter to RVIA members this weekend encouraging industry leaders to be resilient and to prepare for consumers’ changing travel preferences in the coming months. The RVIA also shared a video highlighting the strengths of the RV industry and its role in the American economy.
Read Kirby’s full letter to RVIA members below:
Good Afternoon Members,
I continue to remain inspired by the ways RV businesses have stepped up to help others during the crisis and am thankful of the role we play in peoples’ lives. I could not be prouder of the industry’s outstanding and inspirational leadership during this difficult time. We have produced a video that captures the spirit of this great nation and industry.
The RV Industry Association team continues to serve you remotely. From lobbying on your behalf in states and Capitol Hill, to holding zoom or teleconference board and committee meetings, we are working together to move this industry forward. As part of our member outreach effort, we have now called on every member in the association to find out how we can better serve your needs. Please continue to reach out to us. We’re here to help.
Recently we’ve been receiving media inquiries about what the RV industry will look like as we emerge from various Stay at Home orders. Over the past few days, we’ve spoken with Forbes, Bloomberg News, NY Times and others about potential changes in vacation preferences as Americans attempt to mitigate universal fears around the virus. Americans love the freedom of the outdoors and the enrichment that comes with living an active outdoor lifestyle. RVs provide travelers total control, affording the ability to travel where you want, when you want, and offering unique experiences in pursuit of your favorite activities. Not only do RVs allow you to connect with family and friends, they allow you to do so while adhering to social distancing which will likely be around in some form for the near future.
There could be significant changes to how people travel in the coming months and you can be sure that we will continue to spread the message of the benefits of RVing through national channels. To address this, a collaborative industry relaunch task force has been formed to develop an industry-wide and coordinated plan to increase dealer sales and campground stays nationwide. The group will have its first meeting next week with a major focus on how Go RVing can promote the virtues of RVing as we emerge from this national crisis to drive consumers to dealerships.
On Wednesday we hosted a webinar with RV industry analyst Dr. Richard Curtain, director of the Survey of Consumers at the University of Michigan. Nearly 300 members of the industry listened in as Curtin reported on a projected significant 2nd quarter GDP decline. However, the 3rd quarter is expected to begin an extended period of gradually improving conditions. Resiliency has always been a hallmark of the RV industry and I expect nothing less during this difficult time. In fact, I expect the RV industry to be the shining star in the entire travel segment. You can be sure there are millions of Americas dreaming of getting out and exploring the great outdoors. Once these events pass, and they will pass, the magic of RV travel will bring people together again.
Finally, next week is National Parks Week. The RV Industry Association’s federal affairs team is working to make sure that outdoor recreation infrastructure, and in particular, campground modernization funding, is included in any infrastructure spending in future recovery bills. Our goal is your goal, for millions of RVers and outdoor enthusiasts across the country to enjoy updated facilities within our National Parks.
Please stay healthy everyone!
Best,
Craig
