Go RVing’s Trends To Know: Baby Boomers Return to RVing

📊 Trends and insights: Go RVing is committed to keeping you up-to-date on trends and insights that impact the RV industry.

• One recent trends is Baby Boomers’ return to travel.

🔢 Numbers to know: According to KOA’s North American Camping & Outdoor Hospitality Report, 26% of campers were from the boomer generation in 2023, a 19-point increase over 2022. Boomers also make up 22% of new campers.

• This is backed up by findings from the Go RVing website and the RV Industry Association's research.
• 30% of Go RVing’s known site traffic are people 55 and older.
• 34% of Baby Boomer/Silent Generation leisure travelers are planning an RV trip in the next year according to the Association’s latest travel intentions survey.

🎤 What they’re saying: “We saw huge growth in Baby Boomers camping in 2023. Twenty-two percent of the new campers were Baby Boomers,” explained Toby O’Rourke, President and CEO of Kampgrounds of America. “I think as we look back, when we started doing this research 10 years ago, Baby Boomers were a very prevalent part of camping, and then as we went through the pandemic, a lot of those people were staying home probably out of fears, over health risks. Now they’re coming back out and camping.”

• The Baby Boomers’ eager return to travel and adventure is echoed by travel insurance company Seven Corners, which finds that what many baby boomers seek is authenticity, novelty, and human connection.

🤝 Speaking of connections, a report from Hilton finds that, although Baby Boomers recognize the benefit of technology, they value the human aspect of hospitality.

• In fact, Baby Boomers are more than twice as likely to say “the human factor” of hospitality makes the travel experience rather than that technology helps reduce travel stress.
• Boomers also agree that service is paramount.

👀 Why it matters: Understanding and catering to the increasing trend of Baby Boomers returning to travel is crucial for businesses in the industry, as their preferences for authenticity, human connection, and high-quality service can significantly shape our strategies and offerings.

🚍 The bottom line: The RV and camping industry is well suited to provide authentic connections and experiences between family, friends, and the great outdoors, increasing our appeal to consumers across all generations.