As Memorial Day weekend kicks off, RVIA President and CEO Craig Kirby sent a letter to membership recalling the industry’s efforts the past year.
Following is the letter Kirby sent:
“Good morning members,
As we head into the weekend dubbed the unofficial start of summer, it is amazing to consider the ride the RV industry continues to experience. RV manufacturers have set new RV shipment records for each of the past six months, and all industry segments continue to work together to keep up with soaring consumer demand and unprecedented retail sales. These are truly remarkable times for our industry and the outdoor category.
As the country begins to truly open up, more and more Americans are excited about embarking on summer travel. A recent survey commissioned by the RV Industry Association revealed 90% of leisure travelers plan to travel this summer and 60% of leisure travelers plan to travel more or the same amount in the next six months. That is a huge reversal from last year where research showed travel intentions were at record lows across most popular travel segments. The desire to travel this summer and beyond is even stronger among RVers, where 91% said they plan on traveling more or the same over the same period.
The RV Industry Association’s research also showed that 56 million American leisure travelers are planning to go RVing in an RV they own, rent, or borrow this summer. These are astonishing numbers, and it illustrates that even with other forms of travel returning, consumers view RVing as an ideal way to get outdoors and enjoy an active outdoor lifestyle. This data only strengthens the widely held opinion that the RV industry is positioned for tremendous success for the foreseeable future.
Before I wrap this up, I wanted to pivot back to the opening, and our unofficial start of summer – Memorial Day weekend. This weekend, millions will gather with friends and family to enjoy hamburgers and hot dogs – many doing so around a grill or campfire at their RV. While those activities are as iconic as the RVs we build, Memorial Day itself is about commemorating the veterans who made the ultimate sacrifice to protect our freedoms.
This weekend I ask you take a few moments to reflect on those brave men and women who gave their lives in service to our country. After all, it is the sacrifices of these heroes and our freedom that endures that make our collective successes possible.
Thank you for your support.”
