Despite Travel Restrictions Throughout Canada, Annual Report Finds Half of Campers Kept Their Trips Constant Last Year and 66 Percent Booked Trips for 2022
BILLINGS, Mont., May 18, 2022 /CNW/ -- Canadians were hit hard by the continued COVID-19 restrictions which proposed difficulties crossing borders and travelling leisurely throughout the country, with only 16% stating they increased their camping and 50% keeping their trips constant in 2021. This data is outlined in the 2022 North American Camping Report, an annual independent study supported by Kampgrounds of America, Inc. (KOA).
Across the board, campers are booking reservations earlier this year, resulting in campgrounds booking up earlier than in previous years. According to KOA's April Monthly Research Report, 66% of all Canadian campers say they have booked at least some of their trips for 2022.
"As we look to the year ahead, we are optimistic that camping will rebound as provincial travel restrictions ease," says Whitney Scott, chief marketing officer at KOA. "Our findings show that 63% of Canadian campers are more connected with the outdoor experience, which makes us confident their passion for camping will fuel the growth of the camping industry across Canada next year."
Additional key findings from the 2022 North American Camping Report include:
- Travel Restrictions: 37% of Canadian campers took fewer trips in 2021, compared to 45% of U.S. campers, likely due to the border restrictions prohibiting Canadians from travelling between provinces/territories
- Camping Expertise: 77% of Canadian campers identify themselves as experienced campers
- Connection to the Outdoors: Compared to U.S. campers, 63% of Canadian campers appear to be more connected with the outdoor experience and are more likely to identify spending time in the outdoors; 33% of Canadian campers enjoyed getting away from crowds in 2021
- Camping Frequency: 50% of Canadians kept their trips constant in 2021
Celebrating 60 years in 2022, KOA continues to grow and evolve its offerings to meet the needs of today's campers. In 2021, KOA confirmed 26 new franchise locations. KOA's future openings include new campgrounds in Alberta and five U.S. states as well as a new corporate headquarters in its hometown of Billings, Mont.
To view additional findings from the 2022 North American Camping Report, or view previous versions of the annual report, visit www.NorthAmericanCampingReport.com.
SURVEY METHODOLOGY
The results of the most recent iteration of the North American Camper Survey are based on a total of n=4,145 surveys completed among a random sample of U.S. (n=2,945) and Canadian (n=1,200) households. Within the U.S. sample of households, results are stratified by Census Region: Northeast (n=736); Midwest (n=732); South (n=740); and West (n=737). Overall, a sample of n=2,945 U.S. households is associated with a margin of error of +/- 1.81%, while a sample of n=1,200 Canadian households is associated with a margin of error of 2.83%. All surveys were completed online via an outbound solicitation sent to a randomly selected cross-section of U.S. and Canadian households. In order to calculate overall incidence, the sample of respondents was statistically balanced to ensure that the results are in line with overall population figures for age, gender, and ethnicity. Some results may not add to 100% due to rounding.
ABOUT KAMPGROUNDS OF AMERICA
Kampgrounds of America, Inc. (KOA) is the world's largest system of open-to-the-public campgrounds with 525 locations across the U.S. and Canada united under the mission of "connecting people to the outdoors and each other." Over the course of 60 years, KOA has been the definitive industry leader in outdoor hospitality. KOA's family of campground brands – KOA Journey, KOA Holiday and KOA Resort – offer sites and amenities designed for every type of camping experience. In addition to unrivalled brand visibility, KOA offers campground owners unparalleled support, marketing, and technology. The company's proprietary reservation software, K2, delivers campgrounds a competitive advantage within the market. Founded in 1962 in Billings, Mont., KOA now serves more than a million camping families each year, who rely on the standards of excellence and unique outdoor adventures for which KOA is known. For more information, visit KOA.com.
ABOUT CAIRN CONSULTING GROUP
Cairn Consulting Group is a market research firm with extensive experience in the hospitality and services industries. For the past several years, Cairn Consulting Group has worked with organisations in both indoor and outdoor hospitality, including the gaming/casino areas, food services/restaurant space, accommodations, travel/tourism and the products and services that are a part of the hospitality industry. The organisation also serves clients in branding/brand positioning efforts, evaluating consumer behaviour, public opinion & policy and product development.
From: Saskia Boogman
Director of Public Relations
Kampgrounds of America, Inc.
406-254-7478
[email protected]
SOURCE Kampgrounds of America, Inc.
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