Survey finds many Texas snowbirds are increasing their stays
An online survey conducted by TexasCampgrounds.com has confirmed what many park owners have already reported. The number of individuals who spend the winter at RV parks and campgrounds throughout the state, known as snowbirds, has increased this year. In addition, many of these so-called "winter Texans" are extending their stays in the Lone Star state.
"I was impressed with the fact that 87 percent of winter Texans plan to spend as much time or longer wintering in Texas than last year," said Brian Schaeffer, executive director and CEO of the Texas Association of Campground Owners (TACO). "I think you can attribute a lot of those longer stays to some bounceback in the economy."
The online survey, which drew 1,250 responses during December and January, also revealed that many snowbirds have had to cut back on expenses to afford their winter trip to Texas, with 37 percent saying their incomes have been reduced compared to last year.
In addition, the TACO survey found that 75 percent of the state's winter visitors are planning to travel to multiple parks throughout the season.
"This survey shows that winter Texans are much more mobile than they were in the past. This is a group that often travels and is increasingly spontaneous about where they go and how long they stay at each park," said Schaeffer.