Businesses Attract Active RVers; World's Largest RV Club Names Its Favorites

Ally · 04-03-2006, 05:16 AM

3rd April 2006

Quote:

DAYTONA, Fla., April 3 /PRNewswire/ -- When Kenny Kane, Senior Director,
Media and Communications for the Daytona International Speedway, arrived at
the then named Great North American RV Rally in Louisville, Kentucky in 2003,
he was amazed at what he saw. He was there representing the Daytona
International Speedway (http://www.daytonainternationalspeedway.com ) as the
Good Sam Club (http://www.goodsamclub.com ) Welcome Mat Award winner for the
most RV-friendly NASCAR event, the Daytona 500, for the first time.
As he surveyed a sea of 5,000+ RVs from a room overlooking the event, he
asked Sue Bray, executive director of the Good Sam Club and event organizer,
why the event wasn't being held at Daytona.
Now the just named four-time Welcome Mat Award winner is hosting the
largest annual gathering of RVers in North America. "It is certainly a case
of having a vision and making it a reality," said Kane. "We are pleased to
host The Rally at the 'World Center of Racing' and home of NASCAR's most
prestigious race -- the Daytona 500. It's the first-time it has ever been
held at a NASCAR facility and it's a perfect marriage of two industries that
support and rely on one another."
This year's The Rally (http://www.therally.com ) is set to begin Friday at
the Daytona International Speedway. With thousands of RVers rolling into
Daytona this week, the event is shaping up to be the largest yet for the
event. It is also the site of this year's Welcome Mat Award event honoring
the 2006 Good Sam Club winners who were selected by Club members as the most
RV-friendly businesses and organizations.
"As this travel and recreation segment continues to grow, it's easy to see
why businesses are investing in attracting RVers," said Bray. "The Good Sam
Club alone has one million members, which can mean a significant increase in
revenue when you market and cater to them. Several new major businesses
contact us every year to develop partnerships and marketing programs to target
this viable market."
Still the fastest growing travel segment on the continent, RVing is
attracting families, baby boomers, retirees, tailgaters, outdoor enthusiasts
and travelers of all kinds. U.S. ownership of RVs has reached record levels,
reveals a 2005 University of Michigan study commissioned by Recreation Vehicle
Industry Association (RVIA). Nearly one in 12 U.S. vehicle-owning households
now own an RV. That's nearly 8 million households -- a 15 percent increase
during 2001-2005 and a 58 percent gain during 1980-2005. Approximately
8.2 million RVs are on the nation's roads, according to the Michigan study.
RVIA estimates nationwide there are as many as 30 million RV enthusiasts,
including RV renters.
"The Welcome Mat Awards are our way of recognizing the people and
businesses that work hard every day to make the life of an RVer easy and
enjoyable," said Bray. "These winners exemplify how important it is to keep
RVers on the road and in the lifestyle. They are excellent role models for
their colleagues."
The Rally in 2006 hosted by the Good Sam Club, Camping World President's
Club, Coast to Coast Resorts, Woodall's and MotorHome and Trailer Life
magazines.

The 2006 Welcome Mat Award Winners!

* Good Sam Park: America's Best Campground, Branson, Missouri
* Dinghy Vehicle: Saturn
* Tow Vehicle: Ford
* Motor Oil: Shell Rotella
* RV Show: The Florida RV Supershow, Tampa, FL
* Fast Food Restaurant: Wendy's
* Fuel/Gas Station: Flying J
* Propane Outlet: Flying J
* Sit-Down Restaurant: Cracker Barrel
* Ice Cream Parlor: Dairy Queen
* Sandwich Shop: Subway
* Outlet Mall: Tanger Outlet Mall
* Golf Course: Hiddenbrooke Golf Club, Vallejo, CA
* NASCAR Event: Daytona 500
* Shopping Center/Mall: Wal-Mart
* Pet Supply Store: PetsMart
* RV Accessory Store: Camping World
* Craft Store: Michaels
* Casino: Harrah's
* Tourist Attraction/Amusement Park/Museum: Walt Disney World
Resort, Orlando, FL
* State or Province to Fish: Florida
* State to Visit in an RV: Florida
* Province to Visit in an RV: British Columbia

Do you agree with these choices, would you add others?