The National Association of RV Parks and Campgrounds (ARVC) continued advocacy efforts at RVs Move America Advocacy Week in Washington, D.C., this week, with the association’s president and CEO Paul Bambei telling an audience of more than 150 members of Congress, congressional staff and members of the RV industry about the growth and economic impact of the nation’s RV parks and campgrounds.
The RV park and campground industry is growing faster than ever, Bambei told those in attendance at the House RV Caucus breakfast Tuesday morning. “Right now, the private campground industry in this country is experiencing the most ground-up growth we’ve seen in 20 years,” he said. “We know of at least 20 new corporately-owned parks being built in seven states across the country from California to North Carolina. That’s more than 10,000 new RV sites entering the available market.”
A strong economy will continue to incentivize private campground owners to invest in their parks, he said.
“We expect to see significant growth to continue in the coming year,” said Bambei. “This growth isn’t just isolated to one part of the country, it’s nationwide. Like with any investment, growth happens because people are confident in the strength of the economy and the economy right now is strong. If the current economic conditions remain, we anticipate this growth to continue.”
Referencing new economic impact data released earlier in the week, he reminded the legislators and their staffs that RV parks and campgrounds contribute more than $14 billion each year to the U.S. economy.
“It is important Congress considers the bipartisan pieces of legislation we are here advocating for this week,” said Bambei. “It’s of vital importance to all of us. Without safe roads and bridges, attractive open spaces and clean water, Americans can’t get to our nation’s RV parks and campgrounds and can’t enjoy the beauty of America.”
Bambei also reiterated ARVC’s mission to support the growth and success of private RV park and campground owners and the RV industry.
“We are all in the memory making business,” said Bambei. “For the more than 40 million American families that went camping in 2018, we all have a role to play in their adventures. That’s what brings our industry together. From the moment that RV leaves the assembly line to when it pulls up at a campground, we all play an important role in the increasing popularity of RVing.”
This year’s RVs Move America Week, hosted by industry partner, the RV Industry Association, was attended by 11 representatives of ARVC.
