Newfoundland and Labrador Product Development Strategy

- 51 -o Activities on site or close byo Water and scenic viewso Larger comfort stations, with good showerso Phone on-siteo Store with basic supplieso Dumping stationso FirewoodComments received from Customers as to Expectations not being met in Newfoundland &Labradoro Cleanliness and quality of comfort stations, shower facilitieso Older siteso No or insufficient powero Sites not levelo Lack of basic facilities, stores, etc.Literature ReviewThe most significant trend in the campground sector is the significant growth in RecreationalVehicle ownership, a trend that is expected to continue with the baby boom market reachingtheir 50s. Some 6.9 million US households owned RVs in 2002, some 8% of the population,and the number of households owning RVs has increased 7.8% in the past four years. Salesincreased by 5.4% in 2003 and the growth is expected to continue in 2004 as the economyimproves.The biggest growth is in the baby boom market segment, the 35 – 54 year old market – 8.9%of this segment owns RVs, with almost 10% of those over 55 years owning RVs. In Canada,some 13.5% of households own recreational vehicles of some type.Estimates are for the number of households in the US owning RVs to increased to nearly 8million by 2010 – a gain of 15% outpacing the US household growth rate of 10% .The appeal of RVs for seniors, as well as for the baby boomers include:o It is an economical way to travelo RVs today have all the comforts of home – they are larger with queen size beds,central air and heat, slideout rooms that expand living space, fully-equippedkitchens, on-board storage space and closets as well as TVs, microwaves,computers, entertainment systems, etc. RVs are becoming increasingly high-tech,with gadgets, games, CD players, ice makers, freezers and video game systems,dishwashers, appliances, and GPS systems as well as Internet connections.o The sense of community while travelling – camping clubs or caravans areparticularly popular with seniors, providing an active social network while on theroado RVs offer more control and flexibility in travelling and are perceived to be saferand help avoid travel hasslesTHE ECONOMIC PLANNING GROUP of Canada Newfoundland & Labrador Tourism Product DevelopmentD. W. Knight Associates Strategy and Accommodation Needs Study