Report: Outdoor recreation industry the 'overlooked economic giant'
St. George News
Americans spent $645.6 billion in 2011 on outdoor recreation, according to a recently released survey by the Western Governors Association and five industry groups. The groups dubbed the industry "an overlooked economic giant." The report marks the first time that the motorized and nonmotorized recreation industries have joined forces to provide a complete picture of the economic impact and importance of outdoor recreation for the economy, according to the WGA website.More

Good news at the pump: Gas prices continue to slide
CNN
The average price of gasoline has dropped 16 cents per gallon over the past few weeks and could fall a bit further in the coming weeks, the publisher of a new survey said. A gallon of regular costs $3.62 on average across the country, according to the Lundberg Survey. Prices have been sliding since April 6, when they topped off just beneath the $4 mark at $3.97, said publisher Trilby Lundberg. In the weeks since then, they've dropped nearly 37 cents. More

Only 48 hours left to get best convention hotel room rate
RVDA
The discounted early-bird rate for booking a room at the Rio All-Suite Hotel & Casino for the 2012 RV Dealers International Convention/Expo ends June 15. Convention attendees can reserve rooms for $99 per night with a nonrefundable first-night deposit. After that date, the rate increases to $109. More

Go RVing leads up in 2012
Go RVing
Thanks to the "Away" national advertising campaign, through May 25, Go RVing leads are up 84 percent over a year ago. Go RVing is using television and print ad buys, sweepstakes partnerships, and Web and digital ads to gather prospects. Visits to GoRVing.com are up 16 percent over 2011. Research shows that the prime time to access leads stretches through October, so there is plenty of time to take advantage of the Go RVing Dealer Leads-Plus Program if your dealership hasn't yet signed up for 2012.More

More Americans on the road this summer bring dollar signs to Gulf Coast
International Business Times
With lower gas prices spurring vacation travel, America's Gulf Coast is hoping for a very lucrative summer, extending a rebound that began last year. The Gulf Coast has long been a favorite wintering ground for legions of retired, RV-driving empty-nesters fleeing winter weather hundreds of miles to the north. In the summer, families from as far away as Illinois and Ohio are drawn to the South by the climate, child-friendly activities, and prices. Retail sales tax revenues are up for the first time in several years.More

RV site offers fans great view, venue
The Detroit News
A couple hundred race fans will be living in luxury this weekend at Michigan International Speedway, enjoying a close-up view of the racing. A deluxe 20-lot RV campsite — located from Turn 3 to Turn 4 — with an incredible view of the 2-mile superspeedway was built for $1.5 million and will be their home for the ARCA, Nationwide, and NASCAR Sprint Cup events. Several sections of bleachers were eliminated to accommodate the site, which provides campers water, electricity, picnic table, grill, two NASCAR cold garage passes, and an individual fire pit. "It's one of the most exciting things we've done," says Alisha Cottrell, director of fan services. "It's a first-class site."More

How to live well — and frugally
U.S. News & World Report via Yahoo Finance
When former real estate broker Gary Pierce retired, he and his wife moved out of their house and onto a sailboat, cutting their living expenses to less than $1,000 a month. They lived on their boat for eight years before switching to an RV, which they drove around the United States for four years. "It's more affordable than a house," says Pierce, partly because there's no pressure to keep up with the neighbors. Seniors increasingly are incorporating such frugal habits into their lives.More