In a recent email to members of the Florida and Alabama RV Park & Campground Association, Chair of the Board Thomas Sparrow relayed a “message of hope, not despair” in light of recent news suggesting that most Americans plan to continue to travel but increasing gas prices may change their plans.
Contrary to recent reports, raging fuel costs won’t affect the travel plans of most RVers at the moment, Sparrow said.
A recent American Travel Sentiment survey showed that 60% of American travelers believe that the rising cost of gasoline will affect their decision to travel in the next six months. While rising gas prices will not cause the cancellation of road trips, the more expensive price can affect consumer choices regarding how frequently travelers decide to spend on the road, as well as the distance they travel.
Upon seeing “what our customers are actually thinking and saying” through searching RV forums, browsing social media, and talking to campers, the association’s chair said that about 95% still plan to continue camping and RVing without changing their plans at the moment.
“This consumer sentiment is encouraging to hear because we can all speculate on what we assume, but seeing it (or hearing it) in our customers’ own words is much stronger,” Sparrow wrote in the email. “In spite of everything, I believe 2022 is still going to be a great year for our industry and our members,” he added.