Election Uncertainty Disrupts Fall Travel Plans for 1 in 4 Campers, Study Finds
The following is a report from Modern Campground.
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, reflected 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, added 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.
