The Economy of Winter Travel
The continuing economic slump combined with the threat of additional terrorism and the potential for war in the Middle East is causing moderate to severe problems for a struggling U.S. economy, and just about every industry has been adversely affected as a result. From the leisure and travel industry to retail and U.S. auto sales, unsettled global times are making a mark on business as even the best of us have had to tighten the spending belt and reevaluate our financial options for the future.
As the 2003 Winter Texas season swings into full action at the beginning of the New Year, some are asking the question just what effect will all this have on the Winter Texan industry. Will tough economic times and spiraling fuel costs keep some Winter Texans at home? There was a decrease in the growth rate for the WT industry last year. Will this trend continue?
Of course no one can say for certain until the season is well underway, but a few analysts are reporting the current economic and political crisis could have either a negative or positive impact on the season. The key may lie in the answer to this question: Can Winter Texans weather the state of the economy.On the one hand, a slower economy generally means spending slows down, and often Americans give up annual vacations and getaways as a means to adjust. On the other hand, with the threat of more terrorism and the security problems associated with airline travel, Americans may continue to turn to the highway as a safe method of leisure escape.
Last year, the U.S. RV industry reported continued growth in sales and positive indicators that the future for RVing is bright. Nationwide, there are 12% more public and private RV hookups than there were in 2001.
But the real test comes when reports filter in from RV parks and Winter Texan resorts across the Lone Star State. In November, a few major resorts were reporting slower than usual reservations. But December numbers appear to be equal to or better than last year (at the same time) for a number of reporting parks.With the threat of pending war in Iraq, no one is speculating what the overall final effect to the 2003 WT season will be when all is said and done. Most remain optimistic; a few are genuinely concerned.
