The upcoming election is casting a shadow over fall travel plans for outdoor enthusiasts. According to the latest MC Camper Compass research report, Keeping Calm and Camping On: Navigating Post-Election Travel Concerns for Outdoor Hospitality, one out of every four campers with fall travel plans has canceled or delayed their trips. This revelation highlights how political anticipation is influencing decisions far beyond the polling booths.
Scott Bahr, the president of Cairn Consulting Group, reflects on these findings, emphasizing the importance of staying informed, “Understanding the factors that influence camper behavior, especially around such a significant event, is crucial for campground operators. This insight allows them to better address camper concerns.”
The report delves deep into the psyche of campers during the election season. Tent campers appear most likely to change their plans, while RV enthusiasts show steadiness in their travel intentions.
On the other hand, glamping enthusiasts are teetering on the edge of uncertainty, with more than half reconsidering their outings. Families with children are shown to be more prone to delaying their travels, seeking reassurance amidst uncertainty.
Brian Searl, founder and CEO of Modern Campground, adds another perspective, noting, “As we witness how societal events shape the travel behavior of millions, our industry has a unique opportunity to step up and offer both reassurance and excitement for outdoor adventures.”
The analysis further outlines the factors contributing to these travel disruptions. Financial concerns, fears of potential violence, and a penchant for staying closer to home are the primary reasons cited by campers for altering their plans.
Additionally, Hispanic campers are more anxious about post-election travel safety, underlining the complex interplay between societal tensions and travel decisions.
In response to these insights, the report suggests campground operators can play a pivotal role in soothing fears by emphasizing safety and security steps already in place, offering flexible booking policies, and showcasing the convenience of close-to-home escapes. Positioning camping as a stress-relief option during these turbulent times could resonate well with travelers looking for solace and security.
As preparations for post-election travel continue, the call is clear for campground operators: embrace flexibility and compassion to foster environments that instill trust and assurance in campers. This moment represents not just a challenge but a powerful opportunity to encourage safe, stress-relieving outdoor activities.
To download the August 2024 MC Camper Compass report, visit moderncampground.com/mc-camper-compass-august-2024.
Have questions or need more information? Reach out to Brian Searl at 216-232-3105 or send an email to [email protected].
About MC Camper Compass
The MC Camper Compass is a monthly report series launched in July 2024 by Modern Campground and Cairn Consulting Group. Each edition offers critical research about campers and guests of outdoor hospitality businesses, aiming to empower operators with actionable information to enhance guest experiences, drive revenue, and foster innovation.
About Modern Campground
Founded in 2021, Modern Campground provides a dedicated news source for the outdoor hospitality industry. Its mission is to deliver relevant news that matters to RV park owners, campground owners, and glamping resort owners worldwide. Modern Campground ensures that its readers are informed about the factors impacting their businesses and strives to continuously improve as a comprehensive resource for the outdoor hospitality industry.
About Cairn Consulting Group
Cairn Consulting Group specializes in market research geared towards enabling data-driven decision-making. They connect vital data points, providing strategic direction through comprehensive market intelligence. Their services are designed to inform businesses on market trends, customer preferences, and competitive insights to drive sales growth and improve customer retention. They are known for producing significant industry reports like the North American Camping Report for KOA Campgrounds, guiding PR and marketing efforts within the outdoor industry.
