Survey: RV rentals to thrive this year

A new survey found that recreational vehicle rentals will remain strong in 2021, with millennials showing the greatest interest.

According to an RV rental marketplace RVshare study, 73 percent of millennial respondents indicated they are likely to rent an RV this year, followed by Generation X at 59 percent and Baby Boomers at 47 percent.

Overall, the ongoing coronavirus outbreak has caused a major spike in interest in RV rentals, with almost 80 percent of RVshare’s bookings being made by new users. The survey found 57 percent of respondents and 68 percent of millennials said RV travel is more appealing now because of COVID-19.

“The global travel industry has been hit hard by this pandemic, but the demand for domestic travel options remains strong, and interest in RV travel has never been greater,” RVshare CEO Jon Gray said.

“These findings help us understand how consumer travel preferences are evolving,” Gray continued. “The results prove RV travel is here to stay, and we’re proud to be at the forefront of this new age of travel and discovery.”

The study also showed the most growth in bookings include New York and Illinois, which were up 186 percent and 174 percent, respectively, from the previous year. Houston and Phoenix were among the top cities that saw significant spikes in rentals.

While there continues to be a spike in RV rentals, survey respondents indicate a hesitation to book far in advance, with 63 percent saying they won’t plan vacations for this year because of travel restrictions.