Research conducted by UNBC and Texas A&M University has shown thatpeople who drive Recreational Vehicles (RVers) are generallymisunderstood, not affected by rising gas prices, and aretechnologically savvy.

It's believed to be the largest academic study of RVers ever undertaken.

The research was conducted in Dawson Creek at Mile 0 of the AlaskaHighway, one of the major destinations for tourists from Canada and theUnited States. More than 900 people were interviewed and surveyedthrough the summer of 2006 and they provided new insights into thehabits, needs, and preferences of RVers:

• They seek out RV-friendly destinations, including those that provideadequate parking, proper signage, high-quality camping experiences, andcultural/historic experiences.
• RVing is a chosen lifestyle, where feelings of freedom and fellowshipare central and generally not affected by rising gas prices.
• RVers are technologically savvy and use the internet and RV-specificpublications to plan trips well in advance. That said, they planflexibility into their plans and thus can be influenced by emails fromfriends or staff in visitor information centres. In fact, many detailsof the trip are left open and cell phones, wireless internet, GPSnavigation systems, and laptops are used extensively by RVers evenwhile they are en route.
• Stereotypes are no longer applicable. Of those participating in thesurvey, more than half had university degrees or technical diplomas andmore than one-third had annual incomes of greater than $80,000 despitethe fact the vast majority of respondents were retired. Stereotypes andthe lack of marketing directly aimed at RVers have contributed tofeelings among many RVers that they are misunderstood.

“RVers are an important and growing part of tourism. In fact, 1 in 10Canadian families now owns an RV,” says Anne Hardy, a professor in theUNBC Outdoor Recreation and Tourism Management program. “This region isincredibly attractive and it is located on the way to Alaska yet manycommunities have failed to maximize their attraction to RVers. Ourresearch shows they have money to spend, time, and a keen interest inengaging with communities. Communities and tourism organizations mustwork on making their places more RV-friendly. Word will get out and thework will pay off.”

Dr. Hardy participated in the research with Dr.Ulrike Gretzel at Texas A&M. Similar research is being launchedthrough the Rocky Mountain national parks this summer.

The research has been supported by Texas A&M University, the BCReal Estate Foundation, Elkhart County Convention & VisitorsBureau, Tourism BC, the Northern BC Tourism Association, the NorthernRockies Alaska Highway Tourism Association, Tourism Dawson Creek, theTexas Association of Campground Owners, and UNBC.

Contact:
Anne Hardy, Outdoor Recreation and Tourism Management professor, UNBC – 250.960.5114
Rob van Adrichem, Director of Media and Public Relations, UNBC – 250.960.5622

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