Garry EnyartDear Valued RV Industry Association Member,
Since March 20, the RV Industry Association, RV Dealers Association and the National Association of RV Parks and Campgrounds have been meeting every other workday to discuss issues related to our industry as we navigate the COVID-19 pandemic. These collaborative efforts made a monumental difference in mitigating the affects felt throughout the industry through coordinating efforts to give many RV businesses and campgrounds the option to remain open as “essential businesses.”
Recently, to prepare for a staged reopening of our industry, this group broadened with additional participants including OEM manufacturers, dealers, suppliers, wholesalers, rental operators, and finance companies. Together, we have shared what is happening on the ground at our respective businesses and together we have navigated public and legislative affairs at the federal and state level and in some cases, county levels. Lately, these efforts have been focused on opening or keeping open campgrounds across the country. On Tuesday, the group coordinated an effort in California that has led to over 5,000 letters written to the Governor to urge the opening of campgrounds with other low-risk places that can promote social distancing. And today, the RV Industry Association coordinated a call with Indiana Sen. Todd Young and several key industry executives to continue to advocate on behalf on an industry that is so critical to the Indiana economy.
The data is coming in and we are starting to see green shoots. According to the Harris Poll COVID-19 Survey, exploring the outdoors while staying closer to home through road trips is becoming a consistent desire. Americans are now nearly twice as likely to be considering a car purchase than five weeks ago and over the same time period, vacation planning is up nearly ten percentage points. Based on the early data from polls as well what we’re hearing from dealers and campgrounds, road trips over long haul flights and nature and wilderness over urban destinations looks to be the summer trend.
What started as concern for the unknown has turned into a huge opportunity for the RV industry. We must capture the hearts of weary Americans looking to get out and see everything the outdoors has to offer. Our products help provide travelers with the ultimate control of their vacation, allowing people to travel where they want, when they want, and offer a unique experience that allows us to pursue our favorite activities, and stay connected with family and friends, while continuing to practice social distancing. Go RVing, the industry’s national promotional platform designed to attract more consumers to RVing, and highlight dealer showrooms across America, will drive this home through media campaigns highlighting the joy of camping and RVs.
Now is the time to usher in a whole new generation of outdoor recreation enthusiasts to the ranks of RV owners. They will surely experience what we all know and love, an active outdoor lifestyle afforded by vehicle-supported adventure.
I could not be more excited for the opportunities that lay ahead for our industry.
Take care,
Garry Enyart
Chairman, RV Industry Association
