RVIA President and CEO Craig Kirby sent his annual Memorial Day message with an optimistic note for the summer season.
“With inflation continuing to impact consumers,” Kirby said, “the affordability of RVing is more important than ever.”
A 2023 Vacation Cost Comparison Study commissioned by the association and Go RVing concluded RVers save an average of up to 60% for a four-person travel party and an average of up to 46% for a two-person travel party compared with non-RV travel. The savings varies based on RV and vacation type.
“This study confirms the fact that RV vacations are one of the most economical ways to travel,” Kirby said, “and they provide freedom from many of the traditional hassles of travel, while also providing greater control over your budget.”
Memorial Day weekend is expected to be the start of a busy summer season, Kirby said, with 45 million Americans planning to go RVing this year.
Kirby said Americans are RVing because of a “love of road trips, comfort and convenience of RVing, positive past RVing experiences, connection with nature and affordability.”
Half of leisure travelers expressed interest in RVing within the next year, while 20% said they would like to buy an RV within the next 12 months.
“Couple all this with the younger and more diverse buyers we saw enter the RV space in the last few years, as well as strong RV bookings at our campground partners,” Kirby said, “there are so many positive data points that illustrate the RV industry has a very bright future.”
Amid a positive start to the season, Kirby asked RVIA members to recall the holiday’s purpose.
“Memorial Day itself is about commemorating the veterans who made the ultimate sacrifice to protect our freedoms,” Kirby said. “As many of us get together this weekend with our families and friends, please take a moment to honor the brave men and women who gave their lives in service to our great country.”
