Archive for April, 2009

RESTON, Va. — Even when fuel prices rise, RV trips remain the least expensive type of vacation, according to a new study comparing vacation costs. PKF Consulting, an internationally recognized consulting firm with expertise in travel and tourism, found that “typical RV family vacations are on average 26 to 74 percent less expensive than other types… »

CROWLEY, Texas – Ninety two percent of RV enthusiasts say it’s cheaper to stay in a campground or RV resort than a hotel or motel, and many derive additional savings by cooking some or all of their own meals, according to the latest online survey by the Texas Association of Campground Owners. More than half of… »

Woodall’s Campground Management Over the last few months I have had several clients who were seriously looking for a RV park to purchase. I have been impressed with their qualifications. Each was outgoing and already engaged in some type of business that allowed them to use their people skills. Each was financially qualified – meaning… »

RV parks and campgrounds across the country continue to report that their reservations are better than last year at the same time.  Parks just recently opening reported good occupancy but campers spending less in their stores.  Guess people have to cut back somewhere, but thankfully they are still camping.   The hotel/motel industry is not faring… »

… Camping reservations are up 12% over 2008, according to ReserveAmerica.com which manages more than 4 million reservations annually for more than 4,000 national, state and privately owned parks… Parks show an 18% increase in reservations for June and 13% increase for July over last year. Reservations are up 3% for August dates over last… »

On Easter weekend, Tom and Julie Anderson of Inver Grove Heights, Minn., visited a cathedral they knew well: Wild River State Park, along the St. Croix River. The Andersons parked their home-away-from-home RV among statuesque red oaks before unfolding lawn chairs and lighting a fire. “We try to camp at least twice a month,” Tom… »

There are now about 8.2 million RV owners across the nation, according to the Recreation Vehicle Industry Association. Unlike the stereotype of older couples hitting the road after retirement, the average RV owner is middle-aged and married, traveling a total of 4,500 miles and 26 days annually. The industry is betting on an expected increase… »

CHICAGO — Equity LifeStyle Properties, Inc. today announced results for the quarter ended March 31, 2009. For the first quarter 2009, funds from operations (“FFO”) were $37.9 million, compared to $32.6 million for the same period in 2008. Net income available to common stockholders totaled $13.6 million for the quarter ended March 31, 2009. This… »

PKF 2009 Hospitality Investment Survey by Scott Smith, MAI In the 2008 edition of PKF Consulting’s Hospitality Investment Survey (HIS), the lack of liquidity in the market was the driving force in declining investor expectations. As industry participants now contemplate the worsening economic recession and its impact on lodging revenues and expenses, the 2009 edition… »