New National Survey Findings Released

TORONTO, ON – September 13, 2007 – A new national survey on vacation patterns reveals that RV owners are more likely to spend time enjoying Canadian tourism than traveling abroad.  The study, released today, revealed that RV owners were twice as likely to spend vacation time in Canada as non RV owners. 

Specifically, the study discloses that 14 per cent of Canadians vacationed outside Canada and the United States while only 7 percent of RV owners made trips abroad.  Significantly, the study also revealed that RV owners are 16 percent more likely to vacation in their home province and 8 percent more likely to tour other Canadian destinations than non RV owners.

“As we come to the end of the summer, this study highlights the importance of this market segment and the trend towards shorter, more frequent trips closer to home among RV families.  This research demonstrates that RV owners are enjoying more vacation time in Canada than other Canadians,” stated Randy Williams, President and CEO of the Tourism Industry Association of Canada.

The ownership-vacation patterns were studied as part of a nationwide survey conducted by MRP Market Research Inc.  The report was based on over 3,000 responses to a major national internet panel conducted nationwide.  Details of the study are available at www.gorving.ca, the website of the GoRVing coalition which serves as the Canadian RV camping industry ambassador.

In June 2007, Statistics Canada released economic analysis that RV sales were up 29.7 per cent year to date in Canada.  “The study’s results confirm that RVing continues to grow in popularity across the country,” said Mr. Williams.  “This is a market segment that should continue to boost local tourism spending.”

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The Tourism Industry Association of Canada is the national private-sector advocate for Canada's $66.9 billion tourism industry. It helps ensure the Canadian business and policy environment works for tourism, by communicating its importance to Canadians, advocating positive measures, and lobbying government for action.

For more information:                                                                    

Susan Wong, Manager, Communications  

Tourism Industry Association of Canada                           

Tel: (613) 238-9400    Email: swong@tiac.travel 

Catherine Fortin LeFaivre, Public Relations Director
Go RVing Canada
Tel: (866) 470-3528   Email: catherine@impactcanada.com