KOA: January Tenting Grows Considerably as 2023 Begins – RVBusiness

BILLINGS, Mont. – The Kampgrounds of America, Inc. (KOA) Month-to-month Analysis Report – February 2023 Version continues to foretell a robust tenting season. In January alone, energetic tenting households elevated by greater than 2 million 12 months over 12 months – a rise of 43%. Mixed with 26% of campers having booked some or all of their tenting journeys and 86% who’re deliberating or have chosen their 2023 locations, the newest version of the month-to-month report factors to most campers eagerly anticipating new adventures this 12 months.

In line with the report, most campers are properly into the planning or reserving phases, with solely 16% having but to plan any tenting journeys. As campers plan, new experiences are fueling their upcoming travels. Practically 4-in-10 campers wish to strive one thing really distinctive that they’ve by no means completed earlier than.

Campers are additionally inquisitive about growing their journey. Within the February survey, 36% point out they wish to enterprise farther from residence and discover new areas on tenting journeys this 12 months. Trying to spring, 15 million households plan to camp throughout the season. Spring tenting plans for U.S. tenting households embrace 31% who intend to camp for spring break and 19% who want to spend the Easter vacation tenting.

“It may be simple to consider tenting as a summer time exercise, however, in actuality, increasingly more campers are desperate to discover regardless of the time of 12 months,” mentioned Whitney Scott, senior vp of technique at Kampgrounds of America, Inc. “We’re seeing this elevated need for brand spanking new adventures bringing campers out year-round.”

Additionally examined within the report was how exterior impacts, together with paid day without work (PTO), have an effect on tenting. Total, 7-in-10 U.S.-based employed campers say that points with PTO are impacting their journey planning. Half (51%) say they’re saving PTO in case of an emergency, potential layoffs, COVID use, or to stay in good standing at their jobs. One-third of campers shared that they plan to make use of all or a portion of their tax refund for tenting, exhibiting the energy of tenting intent.

“We have to perceive and acknowledge that exterior elements are having psychological impacts on shoppers, which, in flip, impacts leisure journey,” Scott mentioned. “The excellent news is that tenting is a straightforward option to get away with out a big dedication and our information factors to its resiliency throughout downturns.”

Extra findings within the February report look at tenting journey tendencies, together with U.S. and Canadian border journey. Whereas some People want extra data earlier than finalizing their plans, 54% point out they might cross the border for journey this 12 months. Canadians are extra enthusiastic, with 77% saying the identical. It’s also notable that in style TV seems to have an effect on journey choices. As many as 4-in-10 campers admit that exhibits like “Yellowstone” and “White Lotus” influence their journey conduct.

To view the total findings of the KOA Month-to-month Analysis Report – February 2023 Version, previous and future editions, and overview the analysis methodology, go to the KOA Press Room.