RV Industry Association President Craig Kirby shared a letter with association members ahead of Memorial Day weekend, highlighting the new energy among RVers that comes with the start of the summer camping season.
Kirby’s typically weekly letter also touched on the fact that RVs have benefited from a barrage of positive media coverage during the coronavirus pandemic, and he pointed to other ways RV business leaders can support the industry. The RVIA has worked with national media outlets and other groups to promote the RV lifestyle during the time of widespread social distancing requirements, and Kirby reflected proudly on the association’s efforts in his May 22 letter.
“In fact, we are experiencing one of the most consistent runs of positive media about the industry I can recall,” Kirby wrote. “The exciting initial launch of the brand-new Go RVing campaign, Go On A Real Vacation, will only strengthen our industry’s push to become the go-to summer travel option.”
Read Kirby’s full letter to RVIA members below:
Good Afternoon Members,
Memorial Day weekend is upon us, and while the current state of affairs across the country means this year will feel different, one thing will never change; our profound and sincere appreciation for all of the brave men and women who gave the ultimate sacrifice so that we can all live in freedom. Typically considered the unofficial start of the summer season, for many American families, getting outside to camp and RV is often a Memorial Day weekend tradition.
We continue to receive extremely positive feedback that retail traffic and sales are strong, especially with entry-level product. All of those families who are just discovering RVing along with RV veterans will be venturing out to campgrounds this weekend. That is why the RV Industry Association has been working so hard with partners in the campground industry and state associations to make sure RV parks and campgrounds are able to open and meet the increased demand we may see this summer from Americans who want to get back out and travel, and do so in a responsible way. In fact, we have coordinated an effort that has led to over 100,000 consumer letters to date being sent to government officials to advocate on behalf of this cause. And we are making a difference. Just today, Governor Murphy of New Jersey scheduled campgrounds to reopen, effective immediately. Two days ago, it was Governor Holcomb of Indiana, and last week, Governor Dewine of Ohio joined the “open private campgrounds” club. Also, recently, other states including a few New England states have made decisions to open in time for the upcoming weekend festivities.
The national media is all about RVs right now, and our RV Industry Association staff have been busy working directly with national and local media across the country to place positive RV-related stories in the Wall Street Journal, NY Times, USA Today, Chicago Tribune, Washington Post, and many others (see below for links for just some of the positive PR stories we have placed and influenced). In fact, we are experiencing one of the most consistent runs of positive media about the industry I can recall. The exciting initial launch of the brand-new Go RVing campaign, Go On A Real Vacation, will only strengthen our industry’s push to become the go-to summer travel option. The campaign embraces bolder, more direct messaging to consumers, reminding them to vacation on their own terms and with their own agenda. It’s the difference between a trip to remember, and one you’ll never forget.
With so much around us changing, there is comfort in being able to continue to have the freedom to travel and explore. I know that is something I am extremely thankful for – and something I will reflect on this Memorial Day.
Best,
Craig
