The report titled “New Opportunities: Converting Day Trips To Stay Trips” delves into the issue of outdoor recreation enthusiasts who choose not to camp overnight during their trips. Despite the high levels of outdoor activity participation, there is a significant number of travelers opting for day trips or staying in accommodations other than campgrounds. The report uses data from a survey by Cairn Consulting Group to explore the preferences of both day trippers and overnight campers, aiming to provide strategies for campgrounds to entice more overnight stays.
A key section of the report analyzes the types of outdoor activities day trippers and overnighters partake in. It finds that while activities such as scenic drives, hiking, and sightseeing are popular among all participants, day trippers engage more in activities like tubing and canoeing/kayaking. Interestingly, the reasons for not camping vary, with comfort and convenience being paramount. While overnighters are often driven by commitments back home, day trippers express a desire to experience a wider range of locations.
The report further presents insights into what potentially could transform a day tripper into an overnight guest. It highlights factors such as offering discounts, flexible check-in times, and informed decision-making through increased access to accommodation information as influential. The report also suggests that hosting special events and providing gear rentals could encourage longer stays. Essentially, convenience and added incentives play crucial roles in influencing camping decisions.
Lastly, the report discusses the demographic profile and preferences that define day trippers versus overnighters. It reveals that day trippers tend to have a higher income and are more concentrated among millennials, while overnighters are more likely to include Gen Z individuals and families with children. Tailored marketing strategies that focus on comfort, proximity-based travel, and premium offerings could effectively capture the interest of day trippers to convert them into overnighters.
Key Insights:
Participation in outdoor recreation remains strong, but many participants choose day trips over overnight camping.
57% of outdoor recreation participants opted out of overnight camping in favor of day trips or other accommodations.
44% of participants replaced overnight stays with day trips, while 34% chose other accommodations.
The top recreational activities include scenic drives, hiking, sightseeing, and fishing.
Day trippers are more likely to want variety and convenience, while overnighters are more influenced by other commitments.
Comfort, cost, and convenience are the main reasons participants opt out of camping.
To attract more campers, campgrounds should offer discounts, single-night stays, flexible check-ins, and spontaneous booking options.
Two-thirds of day trippers are likely to consider camping again in the future.
Read: From Report To Reality
Turn Day Trips into Overnight Adventures: Partner with Local Gems for Unforgettable Campground Stays
